Casting off the surly bonds of Earth...

[sandyRoe]

When the time comes for me to make the transition from this life to the next I shall probably be alone and, despite my bluster here, quite frightened.
I take solace from the thought that there is a God. Why would AB atheists seek to deny me that crumb of comfort?

[rowanwitch]

SandyRoe..I have cared for many at the end..some with deep faith who were scared...possibly of judgement...possibly that they were wrong and others who didn't believe who passed away in a state of quiet acceptance..happy to be free of pain. I think at that point it will be more about who you are rather than what might or might not be on the other side. So I don't think the atheists can take it away from you... in fact they may even strengthen your belief...

I hope you are not alone at the end although we are all alone at the moment of death as whatever if anything is there we step across that threshold unaccompanied

[Mosaic]

Crumbs Sandy, lighten up ol' boy.
I'm an atheist and I wouldn't deny you or any bogger else anything they want to believe as long as it doesn't involve hurting others.
Without getting into a down so early on a Tuesday, is it the case that apprehension about death is one of the marks of humanity ie we can think about the future and when our own future might end - so everyone has the same thoughts. But actually being afraid when you come to die may not be the case.
Here I go, a smile, a song, and a chat about dying.....

[carlton23]

Well Sandy, I don`t know your age or ailments you may have, but worrying about it doesn`t cut the butter with me. I have big `C` and when it want`s me it can have me, and I thank whoever or whatever for giving me the time I`ve had, and loved.

[rowanwitch]

Then Carlton when it comes I hope its peaceful with those who love you beside you

[naomi24]

Sandy, in my opinion atheists are not only much maligned, but generally much misunderstood - and often deliberately. I see nothing wrong in taking comfort in the thought that you are going to a happy afterlife when you die, and even perhaps meeting up with deceased loved ones again, as long as that idea doesn't affect anyone else. However, I see a lot wrong with the doctrine that religion imposes on the living - not least the idea that, unless they believe as other men tell them they must - and it is other men who tell them - they are likely to severely judged by a vindictive God and end up in hell for eternity. I think that is what most atheists object to. You see, contrary to popular belief, most of us are very caring people. :o)

[rowanwitch]

Nicely put Naomi...

[Davethedog]

How would we deny you that crumb of comfort? Isn't you faith unshakable?

I have no wish to cause you the least distress.

[Ric.ror]

Off topic - but I actually think you look like Samuel Beckett Sandy

[Truthabounds]

Sandy: It is good that you have a faith. Keep it and build on it . As the Apostle Paul said, "Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evidence demonstration of realities though not beheld." Hebrews 11 v 1 and at Romans 10 v 11.

[ludwig]

I agree with Naomi. I don't have a problem with your beliefs at all, as long as they don't start to impinge upon my or anyone elses life.

When religion gets organised, it feels it has a duty to tell people how to behave. It's well intentioned - it wants to save them.
That's the thin end of the wedge - the other end is that unbelievers are evil, and those that can't be converted must be eliminated.

Personally I take solace from the thought that there's no heaven or hell, and therefore I'm not going suffer an eternity of torture after I die for no other crime than not believing in god.
Why do various religions seek to deny me that crumb of comfort ?

[Old_Geezer]

You're not being denied comfort. You choose to open and read, and even contribute to threads discussing the subject. It is unreasonable to prevent a search for truth because the thought of other possibilities make you uncomfortable: but you are under no obligation to join in. And if your faith is strong there should be no issue anyway.

[naomi24]

Truthabounds, exactly as I said. Men tell other men what to believe - and you're one of them. Why should people listen to you - or to Paul - or to anyone else for that matter when, in truth, no one knows any more about life or death than the next man?

//"Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evidence demonstration of realities though not beheld."//

That's a lie. There is no assurance, there is no evidence - and claiming otherwise is precisely what's wrong with religion. You, who preach religion, trade on a philosophy that is completely unsupportable and one that messes abominably with people's minds. Do you ever actually think of the negativity you are promulgating, and the damage you may be causing? If such philosophy were not destructive, then people like Sandy, instead of worrying about his eventual fate because someone else told him he should, would have peace of mind - and that is the most precious thing that any man can possess.

[Khandro]

naomi, - //they are likely to severely judged by a vindictive God and end up in hell for eternity.// Surely not even devout catholics believe in an eternity in hell anymore. I personally believe that 'hell' exists, but it is right here on earth. I'd be interested to know Sandy's view.

[naomi24]

Khandro, you don't think so? Perhaps you should ask around.

[Ankou]

sandy, we are not denying you your crumb of comfort. we are merely collecting and keeping the crumbs for when you find your faith has left you wanting and hungry.

[pa___ul3]

Khandro, do you mean that Earth is hell or that hell is a place on Earth?

[sandyRoe]

I woke this morning in a bit of a depression. This question isn't my usual style and I asked that it's deleted.

[naomi24]

Sandy, no! It's a good question that I'm sure a lot of others have thought about. It's produced some good discussion. Please leave it.

[Ankou]

i agree with naomi, but if you wish it to go then fair enough. take solace from the thought that all us things (bright and beautiful) are compassionate enough to care. with or without religion.