A question about death (Earth, mystic, reincarnation, experience, theist)

[3.14]

atheists don't fear the unknown more than people that think they know the unknown,
if atheists were afraid of the unknown they would be worshiping something
if theists wern't afraid of the unknown they would have no reason to ever take precautions

[michel]

Originally Posted by Willamena

I don't know --I'd heard religion relieves "fear of death", so wouldn't that mean the atheists have more of it, not less?

This is, I guess, a question which I thought I had understood, but maybe I haven't....going by some of the replies.

To me, it is totally illogigal that "the atheist" would have any emotions whatsoever as regards death, because if death means - as I think they see it - a sudden "being non-existent", apart from the pain involved in dying, I cannot see what they can fear.

There have been a few who have touched on the possibility, having died, of "waking up, and finding themselves in front of God" that, to me, indicates the character of an agnostic rather than atheist.

Does the true atheist have 100% conviction that there is nothing after the moment of dying ?, because, there again, anything below 100% would indicate doubt.......

As far as "Religion relieves "fear of death""; i am not sure that that is how , I , as a theist see it. I know that God will look in my heart when I die, and will judge me for my sins; do I have anything to worry about? - sure I do, I am a sinner, and a recidivist to boot. O.K, I know that the flesh is weak, but I am pretty sure I can claim to have broken the majority - if not all - of the 10 commandments.

I know that I will need to be prepared for that big guy to "tut" at me, at the very least - but will I face any form of punishment for any of the worst sins? - I might have to spend time in solitary confinement, to think about what I have done; I just don't know.

The only thing of which I am pretty confident is that ultimately, yes, I shall be forgiven, and I shall be re-united with those whom I love; it's just that there may be some "sticky" moments to get through first.....

[zenzero]

Once we understand that with death nothing disappears. End is the begining of something new. Fear no longer remains.
Whatever fear is there is of the unconcious reflex of the mind that shows for a split second. As soon as conciousness is brought around the fear is not found.
Am always ready for death, to provide the opportunity to carry with this concious jouney beyond.
Love & rgds

[Aupmanyav]

As an atheist advaitist hindu, I do not even acknowledge any death. The whole of me would remain, all atoms, they would form millions of new associations in living and non-living objects. From millions I have been formed, to millions I will go. I (the energy/material that makes me) am here since the big-bang, I would always be here in some form or the other. No atom is dead, not even in the stone. That is Brahman.

At the moment of death, I think that there is no pain. It is a physical phenomena and brain shuts out the pain centers before death for want of Oxygen. I will check when the time comes (sorry that I would not be able to report back to REF members).

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by michel

To me, it is totally illogigal that "the atheist" would have any emotions whatsoever as regards death, because if death means - as I think they see it - a sudden "being non-existent", apart from the pain involved in dying, I cannot see what they can fear.

Loss of 'self'.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Willamena

Loss of 'self'.

But if one is totally "unaware", how can the "loss of self" have any meaning?

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Originally Posted by michel

But if one is totally "unaware", how can the "loss of self" have any meaning?

Once dead we're unaware, but until then, we can experience fear of the impending loss of self.

[Storm]

Originally Posted by michel

(this is obviously aimed at non theists)..................

Do you fear Death ?

No.

(I am presuming that you believe that there is nothing left of you after death than the memories of those still living of you).

Yes and no. I believe there's an immortal "seed of consciousness", but it isn't ME.

It seems to me that the pain of dying could be the only thing you would have to fear.

Yes. I do fear slow death. I also don't want to leave my son.

[stacey bo bacey]

I keep reading that some welcome death because it's the end of suffering. Do you mean the end of suffering at the time of your death or the end of suffering, also known as life?

I was raised Catholic but I would call myself an atheist now...at least that's the term that most closely defines how I feel at this point. I fear the process of dying. How will it happen? Will I be one of the unlucky ones who goes in a terrible, painful way? Or without getting the chance to fully live out my life?

Also, while I wouldn't use the word fear, I am greatly saddened (perhaps selfishly) by the fact that when it's over, that's it. You had your one shot at life. I know I won't feel it and I won't know I'm dead, but that's the thing. This "suffering" that some people call life is the opposite for me. Life really does suck sometimes and in a big, bad way. But that's what I love about it. There are wonderful, happy times and then sad, painful, confusing times. No one wants to be unhappy, but I can appreciate those emotions for what they are. I enjoy the craziness and the experience. I enjoy feeling human.