For The 'Non-Believers'

[Wizdumb]

This thread isn't about God or religion, but something close to them - belief itself. Some people think belief is bad. They think it imprisons the mind. So here is something to think about.

Life after death. Can we prove it exists? If we can't, it means believing in life after death is all we can do. So is it bad then to believe in life after death? The answer is no, and the reason is because if there is no life after death, nothing we do in this life matters. On the other hand, if there is a life after death, it's possible something we do in this life does matter, and directly affects what happens to us when we die.

In this particular case, there's no reason not to believe. And just because you believe, it doesn't mean you have to close your mind to other possibilities. It also doesn't mean you have to change your life in any way. So what possible reason would anyone have not to believe in life after death? And what does that say about belief in general?

[Tormod]

Originally Posted by Wizdumb

Life after death. Can we prove it exists? If we can't, it means believing in life after death is all we can do.

And just because you believe, it doesn't mean you have to close your mind to other possibilities.

First you say belief in life after death is the only way to do. Then you warn against closing your mind against other ideas.

Do you see the contradiction?

So what possible reason would anyone have not to believe in life after death?

What possible reason can anyone have to not believe anything? Turn it around. It is not the non-believer who needs to explain his non-faith.

[GAHD]

...if there is no life after death, nothing we do in this life matters...

I would disagree. If there is no afterlife, than the only thing that matters *is* what we do in our life, it makes time that much more precious.

[kazbadan]

If there is life after death everything we do here may have its consequences in the afterlife. So life afterdeath its good because gives a meaning for life.

If there is no life afterdeath we must learn to live every second in this planet (carpem diem). In that case life is precious and has a meaning too.

Whatever you choose life is always precious.

[Tormod]

Originally Posted by kazbadan

If there is life after death everything we do here may have its consequences in the afterlife. So life afterdeath its good because gives a meaning for life.

The emphasis being on the word "may", of course. Those who believe in an afterlife can only assume that their acts will have an effect.

For those who do not believe in an afterlife, the argument is uninteresting because it simply does not make sense to waste away a life *regardless* of your belief. One must do what one can to live a good life.

[infamous]

Originally Posted by Tormod

The emphasis being on the word "may", of course. Those who believe in an afterlife can only assume that their acts will have an effect.

.

Shouldn't this discussion be in the Theology/Religion forum. This discussion is in fact, speculating about the possibility of an afterlife. I realize that there may exist a gray area here within the realm of Philosophy but, afterlife does necessitate intervention by a higher authority. That is unless we are talking about reincarnation of one sort or another. Just a thought, maybe I'm splitting hairs with this question? Anyone want to add some clarity to this question?

[emessay]

Afterlife is related with human faith in looking his future consciousness[mortality/immortality]. The most actual reason now is population-related of nearly 7 billions after 10,000 yrs civilization, and in reality we got statistic of faith/religion, mostly believe afterlife. Simply understanding when I expect 'afterlife' of the choice between life in stone age or millenium age, so I expect my life in this millenium, then what can I do ? Pray and make good life. Life is simply like that, even someday I have my clone-brother, we're still in different space-time.

[Tormod]

Originally Posted by infamous

Shouldn't this discussion be in the Theology/Religion forum. This discussion is in fact, speculating about the possibility of an afterlife.

Yes it does indeed belong there. I'll move it.

[UncleAl]

Your car has no engine. It is propelled by elves from the Black Forest who miraculoulsy transform themselves into hardware when you look. Go ahead, pop the hood/bonnet. See? Engine! That is conclusive proof that it is elves from the Black Forest.

Wouldn't it be best to leave bits of fine salami and hard cheese in the "engine" compartment each evening? Elves from the Black Forest would not touch them, of course, for it would give away the game. Still, they would be pleased and you would enjoy better gas mileage and fewer breakdowns - but only if it were the right kinds of salami and cheese as their desires dictated.

In this particular case, there's no reason not to believe. And just because you believe, it doesn't mean you have to close your mind to other possibilities. It also doesn't mean you have to change your life in any way. So what possible reason would anyone have not to believe in elves from the Black Forest instead of automobile engines?

Only an idiot bows down before gods: AD 476-1054, Crusades, Inquisition, witch burnings, 30 Years' War, War of the Roses, Armenians slaughtered by Turks, Jews slaughered by Nazis, Dukhobors expelled from Russia; India and Pakistan, Northern Ireland, East Timor, Cyprus; televangelism, homosexual rape of little boys by Roman Catholic priests, 11 September 2001...

"God will gladly give you an eternal afterlife of bliss if you surrender all your money and chattels to His priests in this one." Test of faith! You gotta be kidding.

[Southtown]

What does religion have to do with God?