Why is the concept of death so frightening?

Question

I realize that every second that passes is one in which I am closer to death. How do elderly people cope with the fact that everyday might be their last. I understand that even young people can die from accidents and diseases, but to the old it is inevitable. I don't know about what is going to happen to me and have a scientific mind, so I just can't believe in some fairy-tale land in the sky where people go when they pass. What do you all think?

Answer 1

I have been able to communicate with spirits. I fear not death. Death is nothing more than the next great adventure. I cannot wait to see my loved ones.

Answer 2

To me it is terrifying because it means leaving behind the ones you love, the world and everything you cherish in it. Even if I live for a hundred years it will not be enough - there will always be something else I want to see or do before I go. Its also scary as I dont believe there is anything/place after this life and even if there was it could not be better than the world we live in. All we can do is hope to live on in the spirit of our children and the good deeds we have done and experience/enjoy the life we live. There are i believe fates worse than death and life is made so much sweeter in realizing it will end all too quickly.

Answer 3

The concept of death is frightening for some because they can not control it. It is frightening to others because it is the unknown. No one really knows what happens after we die and no one knows the exact minute when they are going to die, We all have different beliefs as to what could happen and where we might go and what we might see. But no one has come back from the dead to tell us what happened, where they went and who they saw. I am not afraid to die. I figure it is going to happen eventually and there isnt anything that I can do to stop it or change the fact that one day I will be dead, So why worry about it or be afraid. Enjoy everyday as if it were your last and when death comes embrace the adventure you are about to embark on. ( if there is one)

Answer 4

It is all a matter of perspective. Death is inevitable from the moment you are born, but that doesn't stop people from living. If you are of an old age, who is to say when death is "just around the corner"? People die in their 70's, in their 80's, in their 90's, and beyond, so there is no actual, concrete cap on your life except for what you perceive the limit to be. In fact, your old age can be the best years of your life, the most fulfilling, because you realize how precious every moment truly is.

Answer 5

The concept of death is so frightening to most people because they don't think about so often. When something suddenly happens, i.e, a loved one dies, you nearly get run over, or held up at gunpoint, that's when you realize that death lurks around every corner. Once you accept death as a natural part of life, then you really have nothing to worry about. Just look both ways before crossing, and be mindful of your surroundings. Just accept it and don't think about it so much.

Answer 6

I can honestly say that I have no fear of death. I truly believe that if you have Christ in your life, you will live eternally. There is a verse in John 11:25 That says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."

I heard a cool analogy once. It's like a sailboat on the horizon. As you see it disappear, there are people on the other side of the horizon watching the boat come home. It's such a smooth transition and nothing to fear.

Answer 7

Death is something that no one wants to think about or talk about. I remember when I was a young girl asking my grandpa where did he want to be layed to rest? He didn't want to talk about it. He said, " maybe that won't happen for a while." Life to us all is but a vapor. It's here but then it's gone. There is without a doubt life after death. It's up to us to choose where and what are we doing to get there. Heaven or Hell? To Heaven you must give your heart to God, and choose to live for him as his word teaches us. To go to Hell, you don't have to do nothing. How do I know? I've talked to different people the ones that are living for Christ, and being like Christ, have no fear seemingly. They speak fondly of death as though they know they will be going to a better place, definitely not like here. Those that have not asked Jesus to come into their heart act as though there is something that is not pleasant after death. My grandpa by the way, when he passed, my sister and cousin was with him when he took his last breath. It was slow and peaceful with a smile on his face. Just like the dream God allowed me to have when I was in my early 20's. I was afraid for him, but Our Heavenly Father let me see that there was no reason to be afraid. So get it right if you're not already. Death, where's thy sting? Grave where's thy victory?

Answer 8

Finality

Answer 9

If this life is all there is with sickness,sorrow,betrayals,injustice, crime ,cruelty,loss.etc then I would find the prospect of physical death as finality horrible
However,I believe that this is not all there is and that God is just and good and that we are ultimately immortal. I do not dread death.
I do not think that one must remain at a pre-school "fairy-tale" view of life after death, the cosmos,diety or eternity. Please read the great theologians of all religions to discover what profound and intellegent thinkers they were and are(many of them ,anyway!)
Good health of body,mind and spirit to you!

Answer 10

I think that "everyone must die once and after that comes judgment" Hebrews 9:27