Afterlife

[oldnitro]

Does anyone think that it could be possible there might be an afterlife that has nothing to do with God or religion? because it has always seemed to me that if there is nothing then it has all been a waste of time. And as for the idea of judgement day, heaven and hell, that was drummed into me at primary school, I quit believing that fairy tale at a very early age, but I would just like to believe there is something so that life was n`t all for nothing.

[Ankou]

just because you can't "see" it, is it not known that a stroke makes brain cells die ? in my mind (no pun) this must affect neurological processes.

[Old_Geezer]

Deities and existence after bodily death are different subjects. One does not depend on the other.

[pusskin]

my lovely brother is being cremated tomorrow , and i like to believe that he is joining mum and dad and other loved ones up there "some where"
i'm not religious , but i like to believe there is a heaven --makes sense?

[Old_Geezer]

I can see why one might feel that without continued existence there seems no point in your present one. But I'm unsure that continued existence necessarily gives a point to anyone either. But nice to think you were always going to have a reason to be. But I'm unsure there is a reason for anything. What goal is important enough to justify its own existence ?

[naomi24]

pusskin, I'm sorry to hear that. x

[RATTER15]

I really do not believe in an afterlife any more than I believe in a God or a unicorn.

When my family members have dies, I have never wished they could go to heaven or anywhere else. Im just happy they have had a fulfilled life and it has now ended.

When people start getting to grips with the the thought of no heaven or hell, no afterlife etc, they will be able accept death far easier in my opinion.

What are our reasons for living? why does their need to be a reason?

Live life and take everyday as it comes.

Don't assume a second chance!!

no one is going to forgive your sins!!!!

Make the most of what have, this is it guys!! :-)

[oldnitro]

Naomi, you say that nature establishes natural laws. what is your definition of nature?

[RATTER15]

Pusskin, Im sorry to hear of your loss, I didn't see that before I posted, I apologise.

[Ankou]

i appreciate it may be a sensitive time, but i don't feel you need to apologise for your belief any more than pusskin should for theirs.

if an individual wishes to believe there is a comfort blanket in the sky for departed souls, then so be it. but it should not rule your life.

[oldnitro]

If it gives you comfort Pusskin it makes perfect sense, please accept my deepest condolences.

[RATTER15]

Ankou, if you were referring to my post, I wasn't apologising for my belief, more for the inappropriate timing of my post.

[pusskin]

Ah, Naomi24, ratter15. No apology needed, but many thanks that you did.
its just me. i like to think that and use it as a comfort blanket.
I like to think that I may see him and other loved ones some day in the far distant future, it keeps me going and it works for me.
Maybe theres no after life, will wait till i get there and I'll try and let you all know x lol

[starone]

I agree with RATTER on all counts but also I believe that the important thing is the world and that we all go back into it to start the next cycle of life. We will not be conscious of it but a bit of us will go on as a kind of fertiliser - sorry everyone if you don't like to think of yourselves as such but that is what we will become. Eternal life is gained by having children and so leaving a bit of your essence to go on in them, although they will be individuals in their own right.

[pusskin]

my apologies to all you Abers. This is a very interesting subject and its fine with me, and maybe i shouldnt have mentioned about a funeral tomorrow. So interesting knowing what each and every one thinks x pusskins

[jomifl]

Since you don't know if there is an afterlife, make the most of the present one. You could wait a lifetime (yours) for an afterlife which didn't come.

[naomi24]

oldnitro, 'nature' appertains to everything existing in the universe that is not controlled by man.

pusskin, you have nothing to apologise for. :o)

[jake-the-peg]

Naomi,

Strokes aren't all devestating single locked-in syndrome

My father has had a series of strokes over many years.

It's like watching a cliff be eroded by the sea, the man that brought me up just isn't there anymore.

[notasyoungasiwas]

I hope there is some sort of afterlife, I've lost too many loved ones and beloved pets and it would be sheer bliss to see them again.

[mibn2cweus]

Those who think a living healthy functioning brain is not essential to the process of consciousness and understanding are advised to start using it . . . presuming they are still able to. If reason eludes you now, while you are still alive and possess the means, what hope is there for you when your brain begins to atrophy and decompose and the reason to reason, for sustaining and promoting your existence and to find meaning in life, no longer exists?

Reason exists by virtue of having evolved for one reason and one reason only, to promote the existence and well-being of those within whom the ability to reason arose. To discover and understand your reason for existing it is the process of reason you must learn and come to understand. For it is by virtue of learning the means and process by which reason is made possible that one finds a reason for sustaining and promoting the process and achieves an appreciation for what a marvelous thing it is and how fortunate we are to have acquired this potential and to reap its benefits, among them, an understanding of the absurdity and futility of pining for a second chance.

[naomi24]

Jake, yes, I know your father suffered strokes, and I feel for you. I too know several people who have suffered a series of minor strokes, and I've also watched two who were very dear to me, and who, unable to move or speak after suffering devastating stokes, lingered on for months before they died. The thing is, you think your father isn't there, but you can't know what's going on in his mind. I spoke regularly to consultants at one of the most respected hospitals in the country - Addenbrookes in Cambridgeshire - and they told me they simply don't know whether stoke victims retain the ability to think lucidly. They do, however, suspect that stroke victims may be aware of their surroundings - and of the people around them. It seems to me that it's possible that a stroke results in an active mind being trapped inside a useless body that has no means of communication. Severe stroke is one of the saddest conditions.

I suppose the question is 'what is a thought'? We can't physically grasp it, or measure it, or assess an actual 'thought' in any way - but that doesn't mean we should automatically assume it isn't there.

Hi Notasyoung, nice to see you again. :o)