Agnostic.com

69 16

Early this week, two of my close family members passed away within 24 hours of each other. Going through the grieving process with my family, some of whom are very religious, I can’t help but be a bit envious of their ability to believe in a deity. It gives them quite a bit of comfort “knowing” that they’ll see their loved ones again and that, until then, they’ll be watching over us. Does anyone else sometimes wish they could blindly believe?

Leeshi 7 Sep 6
Share

Enjoy being online again!

Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.

Create your free account

69 comments (51 - 69)

Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.

1

I'm sorry for you loss.

But I have found the concept of eternity singing praises to a cruel deity horrifying from the time I was a small child.

Yea, I guess at the heart of it, whatever god people believe in is a vindictive, cruel being. Worshipping that is not a comfort

1

I’ve always wished that I could believe in God... not just a thought that it’s a possibility (which I’ve never even had), but a true and deep belief. Even if I did I still probably would not be interested in organized religion, but what it could provide personally I think would be wonderfully rewarding.

1

Although sometimes I very much fear coming tothe end and existing no more, I still value very much having the truth rather than illusions. To me, that feels right and very important to have that.

1

No, but you can always celebrate their lives....
That's how things carry on ...

1

Yes at times I wish I could let go and let god as the saying goes. I also miss the ability to go to church and meet people I would never see in my regular life, I miss the community. But having said all that I do not miss being brain dead and simple minded about the reality of life and the simple fact that god does not exist.

One of my cousin’s had told me that she went to a humanist church a few times and it was more of a community where people discuss logical topics as opposed to mythical deities. I had thought about checking one out near me.

@Leeshi Sounds good. There are a few in my area but I still cannot get myself to be involved with another group. I dance a lot. Ha

1

sorry for your loss.
Grieving is natural and a necessity to the human experience. Trying to blunt it by thinking an imaginary friend will cuddle them until you get there or ignoring the pain of loss by other means is selfish. We are emotional beings. We must experience bereavement to make us humble to a basic fact that life is fatal. Any concept of eternal life or afterlife is for the weak and lazy minded. Religion makes thinking irrelevant. In mourning, we discover how the ones we loss have influenced or shaped our life and the life of others. These lessons makes us appreciate their time amongst the living. They live in you, your thoughts and your experience. Honour them by recognizing their contribution to the living.

1

I'm very sorry for your loss. We find comfort where we can. I wish I knew what happens but I didn't know the first time so I don't expect to know now. The first time being when I was born. There is so much mystery in life, I don't presume to be sure of anything.

1

First---let me extend sympathy and hugs for your loss. WHAT A SHOCK! Secondly, I've had the same idea...it's like a lovely, comfy fairy tale makes us feel safe and hopeful. So we make up ''heaven'' and it's filled with everyone we've ever loved, etc.

Just another example of the human capacity for self-delusion.

How're you handling all the religious clap-trap?

The majority of my religious family are not horrible or pushy about it, so I’m perfectly fine with the religious stuff. It’s been tough on every one of us, so I’m glad they take some sort of comfort in their blind belief. There are a few that judge and try to convert, but I’ve already taught them that it’s not a good idea to pull that shit with me, so I’m confident that it won’t be an issue at either of the services

@Leeshi Glad to hear that. You never know what kind of ''service'' some pastors will try to put on. I'm also glad that your family's close enough to bridge this sorry.....and I'm so very sorry for your losses!

@LucyLoohoo thank you

1

Been there prefer reality!

1

I can understand the idea of believing if just for a moment to make the time you spend with them easier. But why would anyone want to change who they are. Good kuck.

1

No never. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you

1

No. I don't see the appeal in self-delusion.

1

No. I actually feel even more sad because the religious people are grieving, but think they'll see the deceased again in an afterlife.

I'm cherishing my memories of the departed because that is the only true way the dead can live on. In our hearts and minds.

0

Never. I would have to be a lot dumber to do so.

Wow, that’s a pretty shitty thing for you to say. Wishing I could believe in something in order to escape some of the pain of the losses I suffered does not make me dumb

@Leeshi No offense intended. I am speaking for myself.

0

You can't be dishonest with yourself, find a way to show compassion while keeping you to yourself.

0

My sympathy to you. My thoughts about the matter of what is after death... are mine and mine alone.

0
0

Nope why would you want to delude yourself

0

Sorry to hear that. Well, everyone is different. That's their way to cope with it. You have your own that works for you. Simple as that.

Write Comment
You can include a link to this post in your posts and comments by including the text q:172778
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.