Question for Atheists on death.?

Question

My mother died recently and I'm finding it very hard to apply my atheist principals to her death. How should I/ would you as an Atheist deal with death? And what would you stipulate in your will to avoid a religious burial?

Answer 1

Death is inevitable. It's a part of life.

Your mother is gone. Believe me, though.. I know what it feels like. You may want to believe she is in a better place or that she is watching over you and you have to pull yourself out of that train of thought and realize that she is gone. She no longer exists. Please don't take offense. She now exists only in your memory.

And one day, you will be too.

There are many things one can do to not have a religious burial. You can donate your body to science. You can donate your body to medical school. You can be cremated and scattered somewhere. You don't need a religious burial.

Answer 2

Even as an atheist I do believe we have souls......I've seen to much not to believe it. Think of the good times with your mother, all the things she taught you and pass them on this way she will live forever in spirit. As for avoiding a religious burial, was your mother Atheist? If not then you should bury her according to her beliefs.Consider that your last great sacrifice for her. If she was there does not have to be a pastor present to perform a burial, the funeral director will do it and will simply talk about your mother with no mention of religion.

Answer 3

A religious burial? I didn't know there was really anything religious about sticking a body in the ground. As for the things said, I'm sure those attending would be like-minded friends who will share among themselves things that actually mattered to me, like my favorite songs/poetry, and stories. I find this to be much more meaningful then repeating the same prayers and sayings for every person that dies, though I'm glad for these things at times, as they are the only thing that have kept me from shedding a tear. They are so Bland not emotionally relevant to the person who has died it is not really a challenge.

Answer 4

Personally, I think burial rites are a method, in which the relatives of the deceased can find comfort.
As an atheist, I do not think that any rites given upon my death would help in my non-existence. However, if it would make my family feel better and deal with my death, I would allow them to do so.
Hence, I would tell my family that i think all the religious rites are a waste of money, but if just to make them feel better, they can go ahead, since I'm not paying.

Lastly, I offer my condolences, hope you have many happy memories of your mother

Answer 5

Although I am not an Atheist, it is not my intent to offend. I feel like regardless of religious or spiritual orientation, that first we need to grieve the loss of our loved ones. It is my belief that a memorial service should be a celebration of the life the person lived.....
As for stipulations in a will, you might want to be cremated, it seems like the cheapest way to go with perhaps a memorial. Shoot, you can actually write out your own service and put that in your last will and testament.
Personally, i dont want alot of religious ceremonial stuff when it is my time to pass....i want a celebration with blues music and good food and fun..people sharing happy memories.
My aunt just passed on last month and she had "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner played at her memorial...Now how cool is that?

I hope you find what it is you seek...may inner peace and blessings comfort you in your time of grief.

BB
)o(
Trinity

Answer 6

That would be kind of ironic to be an atheist all my life and then end up getting a religious burial -- but then, I'd be dead and I won't care, besides, I see burials more for the living and if they need religion, then cool with me.

Answer 7

your mother's body has returned to the earth is lived on, her breath to the air - she is part of the wonderful cycle of life.
her spirit is remembered in your memories and those of your ancestors. she is present in the streams, trees and rivers around you.
of course it is difficult for you to say goodbye, but time and happy memories will help you.

you can research green burial sites, and request burial by non-religious means, and there are sympathetic priests if you find it is legal to use one.
think of what you want and do not want at your funeral and ensure you both write it down AND discuss it with your family too so they do not have a big surprise when you die.

i hope your heart and mind find peace soon, and i know your atheist principles will help you in the long run
blessed be
)o(

Answer 8

Sorry you lost one of the most respected and cherished person in one's life.We,deal with death as stoically and rationally as we do with all such happenings in life.As for your stipulation to avoid a religious burial is concerned ,give it a break for now.There is always a proper time and place for all things.

Answer 9

As far as the death goes, you grieve, you share memories of the departed with family and friends, and if the grieving lasts an unhealthy period of time, you seek medical attention.

Death isn't pleasant, regardless of beliefs.

And let your loved ones do what they wish with your body. You and I know that the ritual is wholely meaningless, but some people will still take comfort from it. You won't be there to care, after all.

Answer 10

My mother died four years ago when I was eleven and I loved her but I didnt really do anything. I cried a bit, not as much as I thought I would but idk? I didnt really know what to think. I knew she wasnt in heaven, Because there is no heaven, or hell, or any other place like that. My grandmother says I should talk to her? whats the point? How can she hear me??

All I know is that she is in a cemetary, way away from here rotting. I feel really evil saying that but its true.

Just think about the good times you had with your mmother because that seems to help me..even though I cant remember much of them.