To those who believe in an afterlife reward, what is the big deal about death?

ThomasCovenant

Muslims and Christians, and probably most other religions I suspect, seem to believe in a happy afterlife which is inevitably better and longer lasting than this one on Earth.

So what is wrong with dying and death here now? Why the terrible grief at the death of loved ones? Surely when the policeman knocks on the door to inform such ones that a relative has just been killed in a vehicle accident that believer should leap for joy.

Admittedly there may be sadness at the fact that one is no longer able to share this life with the deceased, but it pales into absolute barely worth mentioning insignificance at the overwhelming reward the deceased is now partaking of. (Assuming, of course, that the deceased hasn't ended up in that bad place reserved for bad people. Funnily enough, I can't recall any funeral mentioning this little alternative destination.)

If my life was to consist of one week of working followed by fifty one weeks in a paradise island holiday and then someone said I can leave work after only two days and go straight to my hols I'd be overjoyed. I'd certainly be happily envious of any work colleagues that got this perk before me.

If my life was to consist of 70 years of earth life followed by eternity in a paradise and then someone said I can leave earth after only 20 years and go straight to my paradise I'd be overjoyed. I'd certainly be happily envious of any earth colleagues that got this perk before me.

agonus

Well, I think you pretty much nailed it. A belief in the afterlife is just that - a belief, not a certainty - and that's why death still causes so much pain for all but the most diehard believers. The rational mind just can't HELP but wonder, "What if this life really IS all there is?"

tec

The 'big deal' is the loss of that person. Their company, their contribution to your life, knowing you must live the rest of your life without them, perhaps sad if they were cut off when there were things they wanted to do, including watch their children grow, see their grandchildren, etc. Life is a gift. The loss of a loved one is hard on the ones left behind.

Even Christ mourned Lazarus, knowing He would see him again. Even Lazarus sister mourned, knowing she would see him again. But she felt the loss of him at that time.

Tammy

Ding

Tec nailed it.

We grieve for our own loss.

agonus

True. Kids cry when vacation at Disneyland is over and it's time to go home, even though they may know Disneyland will always be there.

DanaBug

Yep, Tec said it perfectly.

We just went to a funeral of a devout Southern Baptist friend. First time I heard a baptist preacher. Wow! What a contrast to a JW funeral. There was so much emotion, it was so human. There were two emotions expressed, pain at the loss of a dearly loved man and joy that he was with his God now. Kind of weird to say, but I loved that funeral. They were celebrating and grieving at the same time. I found it really beautiful.

THE GLADIATOR

Change can be painful for humans and death is one hell of a change. Unlike me, not everyone is destined for hell but even so it's a bit of a wrench.

However good heaven is, those that make it will never again enjoy a good malt scotch or whatever their favourite tipple is. I understand that sex is out of the question, as is a` la cart food.

Leaving behind ones relatives behind is however a most appealing prospect.

The Finger

How big a deal depends on how strong your faith, is I think.

agonus

I agree about the Dub funerals. Like everything else, Memorial included, it just feels like a scripted commercial for the next public talk with very little humanity.

To those who believe in an afterlife reward, what is the big deal about death?

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