Death

[MWB]

Why is it that christians fear death?
Surely going to meet god & jesus would be something to be joyous about?
Certainly leaving loved ones behind would be sad or of concern.
But surely christians, who have lived their life according to the bible, would have no fear as they know heaven is - well, heaven.
I would have thought any christian who is dying would be envied & congratulated, as they are going to the coveted heaven.
After all, that's where the church has taught them all their life that that's where everything will be ok, after living a life that perhaps contained suffering, hardship, sorrow or illness. Or even if their life was one big happy roller coaster, heaven is still a million times better.

[baileybird]

USA Lady - are you on acid?

[USALady]

baileybird - your sarcasm is unwarranted as well. I realize that Christianity is not something that is embraced in the UK especially after reading about the advertisements on the sides of the buses there; however, I have been raised in a strong Christian home and taught the values of Christianity. I also understand there will be others who do not agree with my views. I respect that but would ask that you respect my views as well just as you would respect, I'm sure, muslims, hindus, buddhist etc.

[MWB]

I think she must be "bailybird"

A bad acid trip that's made her become deluded, sanctimonious & unyielding.

Mind you; that's religious people for you!

[Prudentia]

I last died in 1642, but I am still here by the grace of god!

[B-BOY]

James 5:11
The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy

yeah right

Jeremiah 13:14
I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy.

true colours

[keyplus90]

Nkakamasembe � First of all sorry for the delay. Simply I should say that you are wrong to believe that and the people who kill innocent people thinking that they will get virgins or so are wrong as well.

However if you are not satisfied with this simple answer then let me know and I will explain in more detail.

[MWB]

Have any religious people who have answered this question read any books that de-bunk religion?

My favourite is "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins.

I think all religious people should read one or two of these sorts of books to get a feel about what we non-religious people are on about, before defending your religion with blinkers on. After all, we non-religious people have read the bible.

[naomi24]

MWB, I would highly recommend 'God is not Great' by Christopher Hitchins. Whilst I admire Dawkins enormously, Hitchens goes a step - or two - further! Well worth a read.

[MWB]

Brilliant, thanks naomi24. I will read it.

[Catron]

So, tell me MWB - if you know 'plenty' of Christians, why do you not simply ask them why they fear death? I doubt very much if you have been with a Christian when they have begged for their life when a murderer is about to kill them and I doubt either that it is fear of death that puts them off having operations. You appear to have made up your mind about this without any real grounds for doing so.

[MWB]

Catron,
I have "made my mind up", without any grounds for doing so, the same way religious people have made their minds up.

[keyplus90]

I am reading The God Delusion now a days. Once finished then I will give my views on it.

[naomi24]

OK, Keyplus. The two I ordered arrived today, and I've started reading Islam and the Destiny of Man. No doubt we'll swap 'thoughts' when we've both finished.

[Catron]

Aha, though so, MWB. So why not accept that Christians do not fear death and then ask yourself what it is about this subject that makes you so ready to make assumptions to the contrary? You say you know plenty of Christians that fear death and then admit that this is not the case - why?

[USALady]

How can you call me deluded, sanctimonious and unyielding just because I have stated my beliefs? I believe this makes you the same for being as adamant about your unbelief! Don't throw rocks at glass houses.

[Booldawg]

The fact that religion is so hotly debated, always has and always will be may suggest that there is actually something behind it.

[naomi24]

There's certainly something behind it, but it isn't necessarily anything supernatural.

[baileybird]

Sorry USA Lady - but your views on christianity are way different to mine. Why have kids if you would give your life up for you God over them - bet they would be really happy about that!
I find the whole thing about as believable as Brucie's toupee, Harry Potter and Mary Poppins - ok for make belief but not to be believed.
I however would choose to give my life up for my family rather than the lead charachter in a fairytale book. Sorry

[chinadog]

Im both a Christian and a Spiritualist. I believe in the afterlife so Im not scared of death,maybe going through the process of dying but not "The end" itself. Heaven is not as it's painted,more like various levels or planes eg high to low.