What hope is there then? (page 2)

JWoods

If JWs don't have the truth; if there is no paradise earth; if there is no end of this system; if death is all there is, then what hope do we have to look forward too?

The paradise earth myth is just the JW version of pie in the sky. All the other religions have a version of it: Buddism has nirvana, Catholics and Protestants have heaven with harps, Islam has heaven with 72 virgins, and so on. The question is: of the life that we actually have, and can do something with - how much are we willing to give up for some pie in the sky?

shamus100

Or maybe Satan is playing us - we're all demonized and he's using us as instruments to get you away from the flock.

undercover

On second thought...forget the lottery...listen to Snowbird; go hope on Jesus... I don't anyone screwing with my chances of winning the lottery...

goldensky

Sayitsnotso is in a way right though, don't you think guys? That certainty we all enjoyed of living forever to our full potential was so satisfying and filled us with so much hope that it was fairly easy to relativize our problems in this world... We must admit the possibility of this life being all there is after all doesn't fill us with elation precisely, does it? Having said that, I fully agree with Donny: never had I enjoyed this present life as much as I do now that I have understood this may be it. Also with Leavingwt: there's plenty to live for. Still, it would be so marvellous if there really was an afterlife, wouldn't it?

By the way, welcome to the board, Sayitsnotso!

(Don't be too hard on me, guys...)

sayitsnotso

To me it either boils down to two options:

1) There is a God - and a possibility for hope

2) There is no God - and no hope.

If option 2 is true, then it doesn't really matter how much fun (or suffering) we have. In the end, we will eventually cease to exist. What's the point then? The idea that one can find plenty of things to live for isn't much of a consolation, as it is fleeting. In the grand scheme of things, living 70-80 years is nothing. Why live at all then?

leavingwt

If option 2 is true, then it doesn't really matter how much fun (or suffering) we have. In the end, we will eventually cease to exist. What's the point then? The idea that one can find plenty of things to live for isn't much of a consolation, as it is fleeting. In the grand scheme of things, living 70-80 years is nothing. Why live at all then?

It's all relative.

Life forever in Paradise is a complete rip-off compared to life forever with God, in Heaven, with free ice cream and the ability to fly.

undercover

If option 2 is true, then it doesn't really matter how much fun (or suffering) we have. In the end, we will eventually cease to exist. What's the point then? The idea that one can find plenty of things to live for isn't much of a consolation, as it is fleeting. In the grand scheme of things, living 70-80 years is nothing.

Then can I have all your money and stuff?

leavingwt

Still, it would be so marvellous if there really was an afterlife, wouldn't it?

Sure. You know what would be worse than no afterlife? Investing in something that isn't true. Santa Claus was awesome when I was three years old. I got over it.

Only IF you can actually believe these fantasies -- in your heart and in your mind -- do they offer any type of comfort or meaning.

Why stop at life everlasting? Why not embrace the fantasies of other religions, that you yourself will become a God? The sky is the limit.

JWoods

Life forever in Paradise is a complete rip-off compared to life forever with God, in Heaven, with free ice cream and the ability to fly.

And 72 virgins.

snowbird

Those questions, SINS (lol), are what led me to accept the WT brand of theology.

Take your time, keep searching, but avoid any group that claims to have the answers.

Peace to you.

Sylvia

What hope is there then?

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