Does being religious make personal loss easier?

[_Bond...James Bond]

I have mixed feelings about this. When I was a young man of 23 or so, my two brothers were killed in a car accident.

In the same wreck?

Yup.

That sucks.

[_Bond...James Bond]

I didn't want to bring personal crap to the board, but this question came to me today as I pondered what happens when people pass on. In my present weak atheist mind I feel bad that there isn't a heaven or whatever for relatives to continue existing in. I took great personal comfort when theist that a person would go on to heaven in the afterlife. So I put hte question up for debate:

Does being religious make personal loss easier?

I think you're on to religion's secret sauce - for lack of a better metaphor. From my conversations with religious people, it seems that being an atheist is tantamount to saying "I'm never going to see grandma again."
Clearly, doubting reality is the easier road to take.

Yeah. That's the thought...."I'm never going to see grandma again...(and it totally sucks)."

[_Moniker]

I didn't want to bring personal crap to the board, but this question came to me today as I pondered what happens when people pass on. In my present weak atheist mind I feel bad that there isn't a heaven or whatever for relatives to continue existing in. I took great personal comfort when theist that a person would go on to heaven in the afterlife. So I put hte question up for debate:

Does being religious make personal loss easier?

I think you're on to religion's secret sauce - for lack of a better metaphor. From my conversations with religious people, it seems that being an atheist is tantamount to saying "I'm never going to see grandma again."
Clearly, doubting reality is the easier road to take.

I've seen it often at funerals where people are reassured by the thought that their loved ones are in a "better place". That's fine -- I don't fault them for that. But, I do believe this NEED so many have to not end, or for their loved ones to live on, is something that they cling to.

I'd be interested how those that lost faith made the transition.

Hey, GoodK, were you ever a theist? Were you LDS? Was it traumatic for you to come to terms that there is no afterlife?

Bond, if you could go back and regain your belief in Christian dogma would you? For times such as these? by the way, you and your family are in my thoughts.

[_The Nehor]

You've never laughed so hard you cried?

Just saying, but a funeral where people laughed so hard they cried would kinda creep me out.

The wife of the deceased knew he was a great joker. While speaking she looked at the coffin and said, "And if this is a joke, it's really NOT FUNNY." I half-expected him to sit up.

[_Bond...James Bond]

Bond, if you could go back and regain your belief in Christian dogma would you? For times such as these?

Not sure. Through my whole period of losing faith and all the time sense I've "often thought that ignorance i bliss", but I don't know. I think what I think is more true to my skeptical nature. I don't think I am hardwired to believe in something I can't touch.

But at moments like this it would be comforting to know that some part of a loved one will live on forever, rather than simply rot in the ground. Maybe it's a vain thought, but the idea of existing forever is very attractive right?

by the way, you and your family are in my thoughts.

Thank Mon ((hugs)) ;)

[_The Nehor]

Sorry for your loss Bond.

[_Bond...James Bond]

Sorry for your loss Bond.

Thanks man.

[_Moniker]

Bond, if you could go back and regain your belief in Christian dogma would you? For times such as these?

Not sure. Through my whole period of losing faith and all the time sense I've "often thought that ignorance I bliss", but I don't know. I think what I think is more true to my skeptical nature. I don't think I am hardwired to believe in something I can't touch.

But at moments like this it would be comforting to know that some part of a loved one will live on forever, rather than simply rot in the ground. Maybe it's a vain thought, but the idea of existing forever is very attractive right?

Bond, I think none of us want to think that those we love are really gone. I don't consider my loved ones as not living on, they're in my fondest memories and I cherish them. That's the way I think of eternal.

You take care -- and have faith I do exist. ;)

[_Moniker]

Stu said something to me which I'm going to try to paraphrase. I'm certain it's not as eloquent as when he stated it.

When someone connects to you, your heart, your soul, you will long for their presence. It may never go away, yet as time passes rest assured it shall become easier.

For you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDlCcGBtGd0

[_Bond...James Bond]

You take care -- and have faith I do exist. ;)

For certain I have faith in that. ;)