Atheist Burial 2?

Question

So I just asked a question about Atheist burial procedures. And for the most part you folks agreed with what I said, but there was a few Atheists that were in conflict with other Atheists, why is this? Most agreed no headstone is required and the others want one. I guess what iam trying to say is that for the ones that want one, you guys are not purist Atheist. Am I wrong? Remember we are inert matter. Iam not a fundie. :)

Answer 1

It's been my experience that atheist tend to be a little more individualistic than most. So you will get a variety of answers. I have Christian friends that view it the same way that I do.

Answer 2

There's no such thing as a "purist atheist." Atheism means lack of belief in a god - period. The desire for a headstone has no more to do with being an atheist than desire for a graduation ring, or wedding album - reminders marking life events.

Answer 3

THere's even a "green" burial yard somewhere in New England where you can elect to be buried in nothing but a pine box (no more than this) no headstone, nothing. I think that you can even elect to go commando and just get dumped into a deep hole.

I don't know what keeps the coyotes out, but no mistake about it, dead is dead, and you cerrtainly are taking nothing with you.

Considering this, why not donate your dead stuff to science, or the body farm? You'd be of use.

Answer 4

I can see that some people would like to leave a message behind for others . A book ,a letter , a donation , an inspirational headstone , a scholarship , etc .
While we are alive it is nice to think we can have some inpact on the future even after we are dead .

Personally , I have requested that all the people who would otherwise spend money on my casket , flowers , headstone , etc . to pool all thet money together and use it to try to bring me back to life . lol

Answer 5

The only thing every atheist has to agree on is that there is no god. Thats all atheism refers to.....that one point. Aslong as someone believes there is no god.....he is a "pure atheist".

Anyways, i'm not seeing why headstones even matter. Maybe its family upbringing.....most of my family is pretty religious and really well-to-do.....none of them have a headstone....just a single stick marking someone is buried there.

Answer 6

I think that having a headstone is a personal matter and isnt decided by the fact you are religious or not. If you want your grave to be maked then a headstone is needed. I for one will be cremated and my ashes thrown to the wind at a favourite picnic spot and my family can go there yearly to celebrate my life.

Answer 7

To me choice of burial is just a matter of personal desire. Some people can't stand anyone playing with their toys even if they don't want them anymore. These people don't donate their organs and won't let worms eat them.

Even many theists agree that funerals, head stones, etc.. are primarily for the grieving, that they provide a focus for their sorrow and memories, just as someone might save a picture or other memento.

Answer 8

Of course we won't all agree with one another. Religion does not dictate all, saying that is like saying 'all Atheists love Pepsi, if you like Coke you mustn't be one'...
The thing is though, many Atheists would want their family and friends to know where they are buried, and have a reminder of who they were. Not many people like to be forgotten entirely, a headstone is a way to be remembered.

Answer 9

To me, a headstone or a little plaque don't matter at all. It's not like I'll have a preference after I'm dead.

Purest atheists? What the hell is that supposed to mean? There is only one single atheistic belief, that there is no god, that's all you need to be a "pure" atheist.

Answer 10

The only belief all Atheists have in common is the belief that there are no deities...

The sooner you learn and accept this the quicker you can start asking relevant questions rather than foolish ones..