Atheism's view on death

ashitaka

Well, It's winter, and it's just a bit more depressing this time of year, and I'm thinking about death. I wonder, what do atheists believe about death? Do you believe in any way that a 'spirit' lives on? Disbelief in God doesn't exactly equal disbelief in eternity. What are your thoughts?

RunningMan

Since atheism does not have any sort of doctrinal structure or
organization, then each individual can only speak for themselves.

So, speaking for myself, my disbelief in God is accompanied by
a disbelief in any sort of spirit realm. The debate over this issue is
a long, long, discussion that invariably ends up with both sides
entrenched in their originally held viewpoints, so I don't really want to
get into it. But, you asked.

Contrary to most Chistians views of atheists, I find this viewpoint to be
refreshing, satisfying, and motivational.

ashitaka

As for the last comment, did you mean that every day is truly a treasure, and that we shouldn't waste our lives pining for the afterlife? If so, I agree.

I'm mixed, really, just looking for something to hold on to, not a religion, just a basic belief. I hate unanswered questions.

ashi

xjw

I'd have to agree, belief in God is not a pre-requisite for being open to the possibility that some part of us continues on after our physical bodies die.

RunningMan

Yeah, that's pretty close.

I believe that life is precious and beautiful. It should be enjoyed
as if it is the last one in eternity. There is no afterlife to wrap up the
loose ends of our lives, we should do it now.

As disturbing as it is to know we will die, it is this knowledge that makes
life so sweet.

JanH

Ash,

Atheism is not a belief system, and as such it has no doctrine. Atheists only have in common that they disbelieve gods. Many Buddhists are atheists, and they do have a form of afterlife belief.

Personally, I would really like there to be some evidence for continued personal existence after death, but I can't fool myself.

- Jan
--
"Doctor how can you diagnose someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and then act like I had some choice about barging in here right now?" -- As Good As It Gets

rhett

As much as I rail against religions and everything I do believe that there is an afterlife. I've got my own reasons and everything but even though I have a very hard time believing in a god, I believe there's more out there after we die than we know about.
As for Runningman's views, I don't really share them about an afterlife but do find it very liberating and inspriring knowing how we have evolved from single celled organisms over millions of years. That's what really makes me feel lucky. I also draw from that the conclusion that the purpose of life is to live. What else do you need?

I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven.

D wiltshire

Ash,

I think if you don't beleive in God death is a very bleak prospect.

If you are going to die, and eventually forgotten when all the people that ever knew you are dead,.. it's pretty depressing.

If life has no purpose but is just a accident, then look for all the pleasure in life now but don't go overboard and ruin the future of what life you have left.

Me I feel God exists too many wounderful things around me that make it reasonable to me for my beleif.

If someone lived a trillion X longer than you, and had a billion X more reasoning ability would he come to the same conclusions as you?

SixofNine

I'm mixed, really, just looking for something to hold on to, not a religion, just a basic belief. I hate unanswered questions

Ashi, I understand that sentiment completely, but, I look at it this way: if you get a definitive answer to that question, you'll be the first human in history to do so.

What are the odds you'll get your answer?

ashitaka

You know, you're right. I just get antsy some days for something definitive.

The odds are high, but searching is part of the fun? Maybe not, who knows?

ashi

Atheism's view on death

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