How can an athiest comfort someone who is dying? Or who has just lost a love one?

Question

I'm not an atheist but I'm curious to what they would say to someone. A child would be especially difficult for example?

Answer 1

Which brings up an interesting question: How many people choose to believe in God simply because they find the idea of death too frightening to face? Create a fairy tale in order to feel better about it? I'd say many, which is why people mourn at funerals as opposed to celebrating the passing of their loved one into Heaven and God's loving arms; they realize--while they won't admit to it fully--that they have embraced a lie, and that lie fails to comfort them when faced with reality. Thumbs-down me all you want, but that's my honest take on it.

As an Atheist, I find what I say depends on the situation. If the deceased had faced a long period of illness, I will normally remind the grieving that this person is no longer suffering. I always try to focus on the life they had, encouraging the mourner to remember all the time they'd shared together. Why would I want to lie to them if I don't believe that the person who died is anything but dead?

It's also important to remember that comfort doesn't have to come in words. Helping family members with errands and projects at a time when they aren't able to focus on these things helps tremendously--it's helped me when I've lost someone close to me. Keeping busy and giving yourself tasks are all ways of making sure that you continue to live your life, and enable you to go on.

Answer 2

In the instances you cite, one would be first a humanist. An atheist would not need to discuss his or her philosophy with one who was dying or grieving the loss of a loved one. If the victim or sorrower happened to be a friend of relative, the nonbeliever need simply listen to that person to discover what he or she believes, then agree with or reinforce those beliefs if so doing will console the sufferer. Atheism is not synonymous with cruelty! I am agnostic, but I feel no compulsion to impress the concepts which inspire my skepticism upon those who are theists. Offering kindness toward fellow humans either facing death or experiencing the death of a loved one would be foremost in the mind of one who is endeavoring to convey condolences or comfort, I would imagine. An atheist possessing compassion would not tell an innocent child with a fatal condition who believes in heaven that there is no god or afterlife!

Answer 3

People who are dying don't always need to talk about God or have someone tell them about God or religion. Most people merely enjoy the comfort of the presence of others. In fact, not much needs to be said, but when there is a conversation, the best remedy for a dying person is everyday conversation, which isn't always talking about Jesus or God. It's talking about how little Johnny played in his baseball game or how your sister and you spent a weekend camping. In the end, God's spirit does come out and touch the individual. In fact, the fruit of the spirit will manifest itself in ways we tend to ignore, don't see, or hear.

Answer 4

how cant he/she being athiest doesnt mean you dont have emotions, but believing in god will mean they comfort aswell as as sharing the pain they are suffering, and they will pray to god to help this person through the difficult period and to giv the family strenth to cope with the upcoming loss. an athiest may comfort but will soon forget the aftermath that comes after death.

Answer 5

you've were given a confusing difficulty on your fingers. notwithstanding, her spitefulness is one hundred% portion of the grieving procedure.(it would not excuse her moves though). some human beings actual experience more desirable anger than unhappiness at the same time as someone they love passes away. Your sister feels like she is this manner of human beings. the wonderful component you may do for her is to stay there for her and enable her understand that she will come to you if she needs something. If she is rude to you, then purely save on being there for her. She needs it. As for what to positioned on her card, you are able to say something like this "Sis, we adore you and take care of you. I see how a lot you damage and am prepared which could help you out in besides i can. it truly is what sisters are for. i'm the following for you." purely positioned something like that. it's going to make her experience cared for. a large number of the time at the same time as she acts snobby, she's not deliberately attempting to. it truly is the grief and the wear interior her it quite is causing her to lash out. You sound like a good sister! save doing what you've been doing. sturdy success and that i'm hoping issues exercising recurring for you.

Answer 6

If they were religious I'd use things like "they've gone to a better place" (for kids), if they're undecided "they wouldn't want you to be sad". It depends on the person, I don't think people who have lost a loved one care to debate on religion.
For pets, rainbow bridge.

I won't put my opinions in the way of helping a friend.

Answer 7

If that person believes in God and the afterlife then they do not need me to tell them about what they already believe. How is saying 'you're going to heaven' going to stop that person from not wanting to die (if they do not want to, that is) and leave their family?
People (generally) are not idiots. They do not need me to say that whomever they loved is now running around in heaven with god. If that person lost someone to a disease it is easier to say that they are now not suffering and are at peace.

Answer 8

Please learn how to spell "atheist" correctly. Thank you.

An atheist, a person just like you, for the most part, sits with a dying loved one and holds his or her hand, speaking gently to that person.

An atheist comforts a loved one by telling that person that it's perfectly all right to be angry, or sad, and that soon, he or she will feel better.

Answer 9

Every molecule in our flesh bags has it's orgin in the heart of an ancient star. When you die, your molecules don't cease to exsist, they change into other forms of energy/matter. We are star dust and when our "self" ceases to exist we have a more expansive liberation than is knowable.

Answer 10

It's not always about religion. Sometimes just being there helps in many ways. To be a friend, confidante, or just a sholder to cry on.