I'm not a fan of one-sided appraisals of complex topics, but since we have the other side represented here - Beliefs in an afterlife - the problems? - this one is being created to balance it. Note that the nature of and belief in the afterlife is quite heterogenous and the below represent generalizations that may or may not apply to a specific framework.
Some of the benefits of belief in an afterlife for the living:
Some of the benefits of belief in an afterlife for the living:
- Alleviating Fear. Death represents a big unknown in our lives - it is something we often fear. Telling narratives about death, including though not limited to what happens after we die, help us as a species to cope with fears and anxieties surrounding death especially for the terminally ill. It helps us live.
- Alleviating Grief. If you've ever lost someone who has meant the world to you, you know how hard that is to deal with. Even if an afterlife isn't real, believing that your beloved continues on in some form is a tremendous boon to the bereaved. Again, it helps us live.
- Honoring our Ancestors. Connecting to the past is important for cultures worldwide, and our fallen ancestors often play a role in making those connections. Tales of afterlives can bring vibrancy to these tales and help us celebrate who we are and our culture. It brings together the living.
- Instilling Responsibility. Some cultural narratives about the afterlife emphasize how our behavior in this world impacts that across the veil. So in addition to being held accountable for our actions by the living, we are also held accountable once dead. This doubly encourages us to be responsible!
- Psychopomps and Mediums. Embracing the idea of an afterlife creates a space for experts who help guide both the living and the dead along the journey. In cultures where they are respected, they serve as advisors and counselors who help us reconcile with death.
- Instilling Purpose. Accepting the idea of an afterlife often allows us to create the notion that our lives are going somewhere or adding up to something. A sense of purpose is a very important motivator while living because it brings our lives focus and meaning.