Many christians say that they believe in the afterlife because "there has to be more to life than this". On the other hand, many athiests say that they are happy with life, and don't want to live forever.
Why the difference?
2007-08-27 03:05:03 · 22 answers · asked by Nea 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
noholdsbarrcanfer: The fact that you say you have never met a happy athiest makes me believe you have never met an athiest at all. We are typically a happy group.
2007-08-27 03:31:22 · update #1
Well think about it. If you were raised to believe your whole life that being on Earth is just a tiny fraction of your eternal existence, you'd spend so much time focusing on the afterlife that you would probably not give enough credit to your experience here! Atheists, in my opinion, appreciate their lives more because they know it won't last forever. They don't forget to stop and smell the roses. :o) Also, because they feel they are embracing the truth, they have found a way to be comfortable with not existing eternally... in other words, it is what it is, and there's no changing it, so might as well accept it.
2007-08-27 03:10:42 · answer #1 · answered by Linz ♥ VT 4 · 7⤊ 3⤋
Interesting Question: As a Christian, I believe in an after life. But I enjoy the wonderful life that I have right now and am not in any hurry to end it. I do not believe in living for heaven or that Armageddon is around the corner.
It seems by your question, that you are still involved with Christians who are not making the best of what they have today. I see this a lot also, It can be a diversion from enjoying daily the Grace and wonders of gifts that god has blesses us with today.
Because you are in my contacts, I know a little about your past. You were abused in the most primal way. I understand that you don't believe in God, I just hope that (no offense meant) that will change for you one day and you receive his wonderful Grace. There is no Grace in a Kingdom Hall>
May you have peace.
2007-08-27 03:31:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
A lot of people unknowingly use religion and the thought of an afterlife as a security blanket - they're afraid to die and the only way to soothe that fear is to believe that even though they'll physically die, they'll live on in mind and spirit forever. People are too caught up in how important *they* are, how important *their* thoughts are, to be selfless enough to figure.. "When we die.. that's it. I'm happy with the life I've lived - I've done good for myself."
It's rough to think that when you pass, it really is the end. Few people can actually think about death and think about losing their life and be completely okay with the life they've lived and have no need to prove themselves eternally.
2007-08-27 03:13:06 · answer #3 · answered by Alley S. 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The atheists that say that are either very laid back or lying.
Some gain immortality by their words. Other gain immortality by their deeds. Personally I would like to gain it by not dying. (With thanks to Terry Pratchett.)
However, everyone who has tried this so far has failed. Now it may be that I can succeed, but I am not going to place a large bet on it.
As an athiest I so no reason to believe that I will continue to exist in some way after my death, so I am resigned to a future of non-existance. The best I can do is to enjoy the short time that I have. And try to gain immortality in one of the two more conventional ways.
2007-08-27 03:15:26 · answer #4 · answered by Simon T 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're looking at the Christian response as if the glass is half empty.
This life is awesome. Life is a gift from God. And so, there is more to life, an afterlife for one thing, than living it here and then ... nothing.
2007-08-27 03:21:59 · answer #5 · answered by hisgloryisgreat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians are thankful for living here on earth and appreciate God's creation. We just try our best to live Christ-like and not have our own desires like greed, pride, selfishness, mockery take over us. We also stay firm in our beliefs and shut out the Devil's plan to take us away from God.
Atheists love everything else but God himself. This does just your heart and the shape of it. Why risk your life with treasures of the earth? Why put your own desires first than God's desires? Why be vulnerable to being tricked and deceived by others, especially the Devil's work? Why mock others when it is against your own values and morals? Why dislike others because they believe in God? Why not accept the fact they Christians are not here to get you? God has open arms for all of his children.
Athiests do share God's values since he gave it to them and care for others. However, they let the world influence their lives. I pray to God that he will soften your hearts and follow him.
2007-08-27 03:31:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, I see atheists say that Christians are just afraid of
death and Christians say Athiests just want "self-sufficiency"
and are afraid of the truth of God.
That about sums it up.
I am glad I know God, not to avoid death though,
just glad to know God and learn from God mostly.
I still live one day at a time like everyone else.
2007-08-27 03:27:05 · answer #7 · answered by Nickel-for-your-thoughts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they believe strongly enough that there is nothing after death. So, why not enjoy this life and cease to exist one you've had a good life right? Christians believe in the after life cause our beliefs tell us there is something to look forward to after death
2007-08-27 03:12:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians have a "love/hate" relationship with death. In someways it has all the fear of the unknown still attached to it combined with the hope of something better mixed with a large dose of guilt and fear.
Atheists on the other hand, view death as the natural course of things, no fear of an imaginary "other side".
2007-08-27 03:12:39 · answer #9 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Atheists are rational when it comes to death.
Most everyone is afraid of the unknown, and death is probably the biggest. But unlike theists, atheists would rather be honest and confront their fear head on rather then embrace an absurd story designed simply to help one avoid the uncomfortable truth that death actually IS the end.
2007-08-27 03:14:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋