My husband and I had a similar conversation. He believes that humans are so full of themselves, so conceited that they can not conceive the notion that they will cease to exist.
He says that compared to the universe, we are just a tiny little speck.
We had this conversation after his grandpa's funeral after listening to the Born-again minister's sermon about grandpa in heaven.
The paradise hope is the same thing. Just a denial of the permanence of death.
I think the idea of people continuing something they enjoyed in heaven is comforting to those left behind.
When someone dies, we also lose all of their potential contributions. We only have memories and past achievements.
There are special people that will leave a mark on history and people that will touch someone's life and live on in memory.
Since we can't prove or disprove life after death or a resurrection, the best thing is to live this life like it is our only one. Cherish our loved ones like it is our only chance.
Don't expect do-overs.
MissFit who is still missing her nephew.