Being an atheist/agnostic can really be depressing at times (believe, born)
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I was reading 9/11 stories for whatever reason, I guess cause today is Veteran's Day, and came across a story about a guy who called his father shortly before perishing in one of the towers, and the father was describing how grateful he was that he had that final moment with his son. And it really struck me that that truly was their final moment, there is no after-life where you reunite with your loved ones. That's it, that's the last time he'll ever hear from his son again, and now he only has memories to live by.
It really depressed me thinking about it, and about it happening to me, and I can see how people so easily use religion as a coping mechanism for these types of events, because facing the cold indifference of reality can be tough.
In a lot of ways, being born any other animal than a human is better because you lack even the ability to comprehend and understand your insignificance, and you don't have the ego that tries to tell you otherwise.
I was reading 9/11 stories for whatever reason, I guess cause today is Veteran's Day, and came across a story about a guy who called his father shortly before perishing in one of the towers, and the father was describing how grateful he was that he had that final moment with his son. And it really struck me that that truly was their final moment, there is no after-life where you reunite with your loved ones. That's it, that's the last time he'll ever hear from his son again, and now he only has memories to live by.
It really depressed me thinking about it, and about it happening to me, and I can see how people so easily use religion as a coping mechanism for these types of events, because facing the cold indifference of reality can be tough.
In a lot of ways, being born any other animal than a human is better because you lack even the ability to comprehend and understand your insignificance, and you don't have the ego that tries to tell you otherwise.
Although, as an atheist or agnostic, there is always the possibility that you will reunite. Not much of a reason to make it impossible. There is also the non-depressive way of accepting the truth. The glass might be halve empty but that can be appreciated sometimes. People die terribly sometimes, at least its not worse.
I understand, Llewelyn, because I've had the same feelings. But then I think of the words of Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman, Lawrence Krauss, and Neil deGrasse Tyson with respect to our being stardust. As with everything else in the universe, every atom within us comes from exploded stars. We really are part of the universe, and the universe is in us. We're all connected, all one in being.
When a family member passes on, I take comfort in that, and in our DNA. I look at my hands, my skin, my face, and think of how we share some coding and how, because of our common DNA, we are partly the same being in a very real, tangible way. The first time I considered that, it was quite profound, almost overpowering in its simplicity and truth. My loved ones are indeed still alive, as part of me.
Why must an afterlife depend on religion, or a God?
It doesn't depend on religion or a God, but it does depend on the supernatural because it assumes the existence of a soul or spirit of some sort that is, and remains, its own entity. I can't speak for all atheists, but when I consider how humans came to be and how we are ultimately the sum of our atoms, I cannot find cause to believe in such things.
It doesn't depend on religion or a God, but it does depend on the supernatural because it assumes the existence of a soul or spirit of some sort that is, and remains, its own entity. I can't speak for all atheists, but when I consider how humans came to be and how we are ultimately the sum of our atoms, I cannot find cause to believe in such things.
Yep, this. To say that there's an afterlife period seems to put humans above nature and natural law, and I can't accept this as long as it's pure speculation. Again, I think it's just humans looking out for their own self-interest in thinking we don't rot in the ground when we die, to put it bluntly.
The whole existence and ability to perceive is entirely dependent on the brain, to suggest the soul is some separate entity that is capable of thought on the same level would suggest that you don't need a brain in our current predicament that is life, no?
Thanks for the video Lilac, I do like that perspective quite a bit and it's not one that I had previously considered. I wouldn't say it gives me a complete sense of closure, but then I doubt anything but heaven being a reality would. It helps having the brilliant minds of Carl Sagan, and as a more sarcastic spokesman, George Carlin on our side
Yep, this. To say that there's an afterlife period seems to put humans above nature and natural law, and I can't accept this as long as it's pure speculation. Again, I think it's just humans looking out for their own self-interest in thinking we don't rot in the ground when we die, to put it bluntly.
The whole existence and ability to perceive is entirely dependent on the brain, to suggest the soul is some separate entity that is capable of thought on the same level would suggest that you don't need a brain in our current predicament that is life, no?
Thanks for the video Lilac, I do like that perspective quite a bit and it's not one that I had previously considered. I wouldn't say it gives me a complete sense of closure, but then I doubt anything but heaven being a reality would. It helps having the brilliant minds of Carl Sagan, and as a more sarcastic spokesman, George Carlin on our side
Heh, for those not privy to our DMs, here's the video (words are in the description on YouTube):
I've never felt depressed or saddened at the thought of never again seeing loved ones. I don't take any comfort in pretending that we'll have some kind of reunion. When they're gone, I feel a certain amount of sadness at the loss of their companionship, and I cherish the memory of the time we had together. But it's also a reminder of the cycle of nature that encompasses all of us. We're all here for a short time--which is why it's so very important to live in the present; and to show our love to those close to us, and to show our concern and compassion for all of our fellow human beings.
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