by cameo-d 24 Replies latest watchtower bible
Do you think we go on in "some form"? Do you believe we will be brought back to life in a similar body? (Would that be reincarnation or just a single resurrection?)
What are your thoughts on what happens beyond death now?
And why? (do you go by gut feelings, hope, or scripture?)
Yes. I believe it is a transition of life spirit from the personal to the overall universe.
CAMEO D- No- I don't at this present time believe in life after death. I have lost 4 close buddies over the last 25 years- and never saw or heard back from them. So- Just a gut feeling. I feel this life is what we've been given - so I try to make the most positive effect each day in my life. I enjoy life in the here and now - I really don't worry what's gonna happen to me after I die - figure I won't be around to know anyway
I think it's wishful thinking. It COULD be true, but why bet on it?
I know many people believe it's more peaceful to live with hope that this life is not all there is, and that our deceased loved ones are "up there" looking down on us.
But if this life really is all to it, it makes each day of this life (the one we KNOW we have) intensely important and meaningful. That's the way I have settled it in my mind.
If there is some after-life reality, I will embrace that reality when and if I experience it.
Does this mean that your deeds---good or bad---only count for "in the moment"?
Do you think the idea of "afterlife" was just a method to keep people in line thinking there would be a greater reward for "doing right"?
If the majority of people did not believe in an afterlife and someone to account to...do you think it would be even more barbaric...like "get what you can" at anyone's expense? Or do you think people would treasure each other more knowing this is all?
No, I don't. Not even a little bit. Why? Because I do my best not to believe in things without evidence. Even if those things make me feel better.
Yes. I believe it is a transition of life spirit from the personal to the overall universe.
You kind of lost me there. You think we break apart into miscroscopic atoms and thus become particles in the universe, or what?
Do you think we have any kind of consciousness after this life? Do you think we reunite with loved ones after this life?
Does this mean that your deeds---good or bad---only count for "in the moment"?
Depends what you do. Some deeds have far reaching effects, like the holocaust or Martin Luthers' separation from the Catholic church. But I don't believe anyone faces consequences for their deeds after their death.
Do you think the idea of "afterlife" was just a method to keep people in line thinking there would be a greater reward for "doing right"?
I believe this is only a small part of it, "Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful." - Seneca the Younger.
I believe it originated much more in our natural fear of death.
If the majority of people did not believe in an afterlife and someone to account to...do you think it would be even more barbaric...like "get what you can" at anyone's expense? Or do you think people would treasure each other more knowing this is all?
Atheists commit less crime than believers. The American prison system is full of Christians.
How soon after? instantly? Then there really is no death, just a blink. Or do you mean, like, if a bunch of maggots eat you then you sort of pass on thru them? But if you mean can you still watch TV and drink beer right after the funeral then no I don't think so.
Next question?
If you look at the concept of Spirit, not the religious one, you will get what I am saying. The personal is limited to the physical body you hold right now, when you become part of the Universe or Spirit of all life ... limits are dropped in travel, space and time. You are still aware of your existence, but not in the body form we know today.
