Atheists that don't believe in an afterlife?

Question

How do you console yourselves when a loved one passes away; especially if they suffered a horrible fate (disease, blasphemy, injustice etc)? I mean...my only consolance would be that I will be rejoiced with them in the hereafter...that they are in a better place..

Don't you believe there is more to life than just..life? Is it a natural inclination to yearn for our rejoice in the next world; that we will be one happy family again? Instead of rotten worm food.

Answer 1

When a loved one passes away, it hurts. The only consolation is that they are at peace.

I can't speak for other non-believers, but I do wish I could believe that I'll never really die.
But I am unable to make myself believe something as illogical as a deity just because I want to believe this. I could pretend, and maybe I would fool people. But I would not be able to fool myself.

Answer 2

I'm not an atheist myself, but a few of my close friends are, and they say that the knowledge that they will never see their loved ones again after death just makes life that much more precious and important while they're living it. I see some truth to that- I mean, if everyone who believes in an afterlife figures that we'll all be reunited with our departed loved ones, maybe they wouldn't be as inclined to enjoy them in this life as heartily as those who believe that there's only a limited time. I for one hope there is some sort of afterlife or reincarnation or something, because it would be too sad to bear the loss of a friend or family member if I personally didn't think I would ever see them again.

Answer 3

Personally, I grieve, then I move on. Belief in an afterlife is pure theory and speculation. Unproved theory and speculation, I might add. As for thinking that there is more to life than life, well, no. That would be a contradiction of terms. I'd LIKE to have a wonderful world where we live forever in eternal bliss, but such has never been found throughout the history of man. If it had, and all you had to do was believe in it, then why would you mourn someone passing? Why not just go with them?

Answer 4

You are absolutely right. i am a molecular biologist but I have spiritual beliefs, including the afterlife. I have researched it extensively, reading every study and book I can get my hands on, as well as doing research with people. There is just too much evidence to dismiss it. Other scientists may look down on me for believing, but I guess we'll see who is right eventually. :) My fiance passed away last august. I miss him terribly; his death was unexpected. He is with me always. I know he is. And I know when I die, he will be the first to greet me. If I did not believe that, I would just slit my wrists right now. Life is so hard; if we did not go to a better place, what would be the point in trying so hard to just survive?

I don't just blindly believe to console myself; I am a scientist and need evidence to support a theory. I have done the research and I know.

If you think the afterlife is "pure speculation", speak to those who have had near death experiences. Do the work, put in the time on research. It might surprise you.

Just a thought: If so many of you are atheists/nonbelievers, why are you here in the religion and spirituality section? Is there a hidden part of you that wishes you could have faith and believe? You know you will not change our minds; maybe you are hoping we will change yours. If you think spirituality is ridiculous, why are you wasting your time participating in our discussions? I am not trying to be malicious, I am just trying to make you think.

Answer 5

That "better place" for me is death with no suffering and worry about an after-life.

Your "better place" is Heaven which is a horrible, selfish thought that our one life here on Earth is not enough, and Heaven would be immensely boring. My passed away loved one would never be able to rest or end it all up in Heaven.

We make the most of life HERE AND NOW as the happy family we are. A good story book is good because it has an ENDING.

Answer 6

I do not see any evidence of an afterlife and my father has died so I fit your profile pretty well.

My father died very unexpectedly and a relatively young age. It was quite a shock for all of us. Fortunately, he was one of those people who loved life - he really enjoyed what he did and shared that enthusiasm with his family. He died more than 10 yrs ago. My sisters, mom, and friends who knew him , still talk about him. We laugh about what he used to do, share our memories of him frequently. This sharing allows us to keep him relevant to us.

I can not reconcile the idea that he is off on some cloud playing a harp and wearing fluffy white wings. (or some other afterlife scenario)

I do believe that life ends when our consciousness ends (i.e. when our body stops functioning). That idea doesn't bother me. I won't be able to perceive that I am dead. I won't be able to rue my mistakes while alive. I won't be missing my loved ones. I will go to where the flame of a candle goes when it is blown out. I am made of inanimate organic compounds and I will return to being inanimate organic compounds. That thought doesn't not bother me.

Answer 7

My mom asked me this question when my grandfather passed, and I explained to her that I don't know what happens after we die, but I know I will carry my grandfather's love with me throughout my life, and share it with others. That way I can focus on rejoicing and loving in THIS life, not waiting for an afterlife that may or may not exist.

Answer 8

Heaven isn't always a comfort. According to most of the Christians I know, my grandfather would be in hell. How is that supposed to comfort me? My family was never very religious, so most of the people I love would not go to the Christian version of heaven.

Answer 9

That is why God/Gods/heaven was invented to make people who could not deal with reality something that would help them deal with it. I am just fine with it.


Oh by the way I still tell my child that her pet doggie went to heaven. Only to keep her from crying. The same way I tell her that there is a Santa to make her be good. One day I will let her in on it. But for now she will be a child.

Answer 10

Blasphemy is a horrible fate? NO belief in an after life devalues this life so no.