While most of us think there's a heaven, we differ on the details

The Dallas Morning News ^ | Tue, Nov. 11, 2003 | JEFFREY WEISS

[snowstorm12]

Wouldn't it be more comforting to know that they exist eternally without worry, disease, pain, heartache, etc.?

no I don't think it is more comforting because there is just as good of a chance or better that "afterlife" is a horrible. Nonexistence is a guarantee none of my dead relatives are experiencing an existence of torment pain suffering sadness (nonstop rape, torture etc.) so there are no surprises. Nonexistence really isn't that bad. It wasn't bad before existence so it won't be bad after death either. It's already been proven that we(humans) are who we are because of our unique brains so how can we go on and exist without our earthly brains? It doesn't add up to me.

[snowstorm12]

But isn't it possible just as before, we will AGAIN exist--this time in Heaven?

not in my opinion because once our brains decompose we can't exist. So I don't think it is possible. Our brains make us who we are(our personalities etc.)

[snowstorm12]

How do you know that the time before you were born is less than the time after you die?

Nonexistence before you exist ceases once you exist. Nonexistence after death in forever.

[snowstorm12]

How do you know that the time before you were born is less than the time after you die?

Nonexistence before you exist ceases once you exist. Nonexistence after death in forever.

[Wolfstar]

Your point of view is similar to my own — although, to be honest, I really want to believe in an afterlife. I was particularly struck by what you said about after you die is like it was before you are born. I always find it odd that religions and most people focus only on the question of what happens after life, when the key question is: Where are we before we're conceived?

If we exist as distinct individuals in some fashion before conception, why is it that most of us can't remember anything before our earliest childhood? On the other hand, if we don't exist as individuals before conception, it's quite rational to assume that we go back to oblivion when we die.

Another related question: If most of us deep down, really believe in an afterlife and a heaven, then why do we grieve when someone we love dies? As you suggest, why don't we celebrate their release from the toils, cares and dangers of this earthly existence?

[TheMole]

‘I’m sorry, John, but what exactly did you imagine Heaven would be like?’

[You Dirty Rats]

How do you know the time before you were born wasn't infinite?

Because if it is, then there is no difference.

And if it isn't, then what took place before the beginning of the world?

Finite beings who think they can explain the infinite are delusional.

[WaterDragon]

I'm with you!

[viaveritasvita]

no I don't think it is more comforting because there is just as good of a chance or better that "afterlife" is a horrible.

On what information or authority do you base this idea? (If you had said that there was a chance that hell is as horrible as this life, I might have agreed! But, using your wager, there is just as good of a chance or better that the afterlife is as it's described in the Bible: Heavenly.)

Nonexistence is a guarantee none of my dead relatives are experiencing an existence of...suffering....

I'll overlook the contradiction from your first sentence to the second -- i.e. either the afterlife is as horrible as this life, which means it exists, or it's nonexistent -- which is it? Nonexistence would indeed be a guarantee that there'd be no suffering IF you can guarantee that nonexistence is indeed what awaits us when we die.

Nonexistence...wasn't bad before existence so it won't be bad after death either.

On what information or authority do you base your assertion?

It's already been proven that we(humans) are who we are because of our unique brains so how can we go on and exist without our earthly brains?

Existence is possible without brains. We are much more than just mind; we are body and soul, too. How do you know that we will be unable to think after death? What if we can think after death? If the Bible is true, then some people will have an eternity to think about their self-imposed separation from God. I'll pray that you'll use your brain and examine the evidence for the truth of the Bible. What do you have to lose? If the Bible isn't true, then it was a good exercise for your brain. If it is true, the implications for your eternal soul will give you much to think about.

God has given you the freedom to continue on a path that leads to nowhere, my FRiend. But, the love of Christ compels me to tell you that over 2000 years worth of witnesses attest to the fact that there is another path, a path that leads to eternal life free from all suffering. These witnesses include over 500 eye witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I'll pray that you will tire quickly of traveling the lonely road leading nowhere and littered with hollow philosophies, deception, and broken promises.

It doesn't add up...

I think it doesn't add up for you because you are not taking into consideration all the factors (fuzzy math??). To paraphrase Wm. Shakespeare: "There is more to life than is dreamt of in your philosophy." Your conclusions don't add up to me, either.

Here are some questions you might like to think on....

"How is it that inanimate matter can organize itself to contemplate itself?" Allan Sandage

Who encoded the language contained in our DNA?

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:55

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