Why Do So Many Hope for a Continued Existence in the Afterlife?

Question

I'm sorry, but I just don't get it. Why isn't this life, the only one we know for sure is real, good enough for some people? I mean, isn't it logical to assume that since we have a beginning in time (i. e. we're born) that upon death our life will just be over, and that will be it?  Why do people crave more? I don't, because I accept the reality that my existence is an anomaly, an improbable statistical fluke, and that I could quite easily have never been born, so I appreciate (or at least try to appreciate) the simple fact that I am here at all.

zeitgeist057 · Accepted Answer

This is an ironic question, because it divides the people who answer it into two categories, those who believe in an afterlife and those who don't.

Those who do believe, ironically are likely not self aware enough to realize/admit their belief is based on desire for it to be true, and therefore cannot legitimately comment on their motivations.

Those who do not believe, are not qualified to comment on the motivations of those who do believe, because they don't really know. They are excluded from participating other than by making assumptions about others.

I used to believe in an afterlife, because I was raised by believers. At the time, it was just a given because the adults in my life told me it was true, like Santa Claus. When I grew up and started thinking more and more for myself and realized I couldn't put my faith in something that had no evidence, the fantasy was over for me. In retrospect, I think of it something like fantasizing "what would you do if you won the lottery?", where you sit around and think about how nice it will be once you're dead, and get to do anything you want and be free of any worries. It's just an exercise in escapism. But I don't think religion is always just that. There are a lot of people like myself who were just raised into it and never bothered to or had the information or capacity mentally and emotionally to get away from it. It is absolutely an easy addiction/fantasy to fall victim to.

Jean-Marie_Céline · Accepted Answer

I don't know, maybe the feeling of nothingness scares them?
On the other hand, I find it comforting. I don't want to live forever. Up to 100 maybe, but not eternally. I can barely imagine the anguish of the possibility of being stuck in the same place and death never comes.
Cessation of existence on the other hand sounds so peaceful and reassuring.
I'd like to live forever, but in the memory of other people, not literally.

TheLittleInnocent · Accepted Answer

Dude I feel the same way. When I die I want to die. Not live another be it in eternal damnation or paradise. What's the point of that?

ohshee · Answer

If you stop and take a breath relax. And look around from the rocks to trees to every living breathing thing. It's all in by vibration which equals energy me texting this message to you I pressed on my tablet it goes to satellite back down to your device print it out. That is energy the way that we are made so finely tuned all of this everybody is 97 in the DNA our body is our Temple so it must have something very special protect it that is our soul or spirit and our energy it is our guy he's our teacher it warns that's when things are not right. energy is a heart and a brain as one did houses in journals our life everything you said and done when we die everybody falls to the ground our energy a little ball of light candles are solar spirit and everything we've done in this world everything our Journal and then it takes us to wherever we're going next we are magical people are Earth is very magical Earth everything on it is so special beautiful and meant for something energy Never Dies we are made out of water and atoms, atoms Brokedown equals energy

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

My biggest lol with it, is when the Christians get there and find out actually Islam had it bang on, and all that alcohol etc means zero chance of admittance. This Rowan Atkinson video sums it up

blank_expression · Answer

The one thing I do know is that the human never created anything, invention yes, creation, no. If one has a thought of something, that was invoked by something, experience, circumstances, genetics-possibly, but it is anything other than some boot-strapping effect. We love to relish in the idea that we have original thought, but do we really? If one can imagine it, it has an origin. I have had several experiences that have moved me beyond “believe” to no doubt. Once that happens, fear is only reflexive and almost voided. I sense things that most don’t within the living to inanimate objects and have followed a trail that has led to much enlightenment. Spirituality is right there before us all to accept in or deny access. It is not necessarily a desire for “continued existence” but rather discovery put upon oneself and to some it is right there in plain sight, not optional.

Honesttguy · Answer

Can be many reasons, I myself was born different i expierenced unusual things so i know there is something beyond human understanding. And i know there are more people similarly like me who expierenced something and they know there is something more out there. But i dont hope for it, that sounds weak. I know its gonna happen and i accept it. So i just choose to focus on living my life to best of my ability now.

genericname85 · Answer

well it is quite understandable to me that people prefer that dream over the cold, harsh reality, that with your death, everything ends for you. we cling so much to the thing we call "i". the ego is what keeps us alive anyway, so the idea of having to let go of it is daunting.

zagor · Answer

For most of the population for most of history, life was short, brutal and full of pain. Lower middle class people today have an easier life than kings did in past centuries. Imagine no medical care, having to walk or ride an animal to go anywhere, having to go out each day and procure food and water, be under constant threat from animals and raiders. It is no wonder that the idea of death being an exit to an existence of glory and wonder came into being, a payoff for the travails of this world.

Celtero · Answer

In death, you won't even remember your life. And eternity... it's kind of a long time to not exist for. And if eternal non-existence is our density anyway, what's the point of living in the first place?

Slartybartfast · Answer

I hoped and prayed there wasn't an afterlife, realized the contradiction and just hoped there wasn't an afterlife.

exitseven · Answer

Somehow I think it would be pretty cool if there was something else after this life. As long as it didn't involve watching a lot of reality shows.

ThisAndThat · Answer

God absolutely exist there is no doubt about it whatsoever. Ask yourself this question. How did anyone thousands of years ago Prophesied the future thousands of years ahead and get all of it absolutely correct? You'd better start asking yourself that question and get saved now if you haven't already, we are without doubt living in the last days right now.

EssenceOfLight · Answer

People have problems to comprehend nonexistence. All religions and sects abuse this circumstance with their ideology about afterlife.

Anonymous · Answer

One's view of death is actually the foundation of how one lives... even though most of us aren't conscious of this fact...

jshm2 · Answer

So you're daft enough to think you've lived a life... for nothing in the end? Don't be such a cynical douche, kiddo.

jason_1233 · Answer

Cz they are bunch of idiots that lived an empty life.

Avicenna · Answer

Fear of death perhaps

ItsMeItsMe1989 · Answer

Like, the paranormal?

Fuentes · Answer

Because their has to be

888theGreat · Answer

Not hope but know

Why Do So Many Hope for a Continued Existence in the Afterlife?

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What Girls & Guys Said

The Bible clearly states there is no 'afterlife', so why do so many self-proclaimed Christians think they'll end up in heaven after they die?

Why Do So Many Hope for a Continued Existence in the Afterlife?

Most Helpful Opinions

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What Girls & Guys Said

The Bible clearly states there is no 'afterlife', so why do so many self-proclaimed Christians think they'll end up in heaven after they die?

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