Why do you feel the need to believe in something?
TurkishDelight
Acolyte
I don't. I don't think I ever have. Not because I'm bitter or angry or whatever, but simply because I could never know what I'm placing my belief in is true or not (with most established religions). It is my opinion then, that if I can't know, and no amount of faith OR questioning will tell me otherwise (Ex. - God won't descend from on high to tell you there's an afterlife no matter how many Hail Marry's you pray) then I should learn to not question the unknowable. I think it would be better-no more stress about the ramifications your actions might have for eternity, no more wondering what you'll be re-incarnated as, no wondering if their are even higher planes of existence or even if God as being or whatever you'd like to think of him as exists at all and if he did would he even CARE what we are doing in the FIRST place?!
Wouldn't that be better? I think so. I like to think it helps me focus less on what could or might be and more on what is.
Wouldn't that be better? I think so. I like to think it helps me focus less on what could or might be and more on what is.
Comments
It wont be better when you descend into hell for all of eternity. So while it may be better on earth will it be better in the afterlife? You dont have to worry here on earth because if you believe youll be forgiven.
Luke 16:22 "Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 "And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame.' 25 "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and [that] none may cross over from there to us.'
Reve 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one [of them] according to their deeds.
14 And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
I think if anyone or anythings judging me for an afterlife, they'd appreciate my sincere lack of faith more than my cheap "afterlife-insurance policy" faith.
But yeah, I don't think this idea is stressed to much in the Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens etc. religious books.
It'd be interesting hearing about this from someone who can honestly look BACK on there believing days and say why they were there.
My best guesses:
Gives 'em something to do.
Give's them something to push their problems off onto, "It's not your fault fool! God wants it this way."
Parents/Community pushie pushie.
blah
Don't fool yourself into thinking you're better.
Mass and energy can not be created or destroyed, only changed. So no matter what we always will be part of the universe in some way or another, whether or not we will be conscious of it in some form is another question. For now, I'll just try not to be too much of a dick while I'm alive just for the sake of not being a dick.
Everything always makes more sense doesn't it?