Comments on: How Can Atheists Say That Religion Is Just About The Fear Of Death?

By: Eric Patterson

Eric Patterson — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:29:13 +0000

In reality, no single religion could guarantee us a place in Heaven. In the end, what matters is how we a treat other people.”-*

By: Dee

Dee — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:28:52 +0000

Religion means different things for many different people. Can you really say that fear of death and hell and the prospect of heaven have not been factors in people’s desire to believe? The idea of a happy afterlife is common among religions; it draws people in. The threat of hell for apostasy keeps people locked in. Certainly, there are other reasons people have for worshipping. Some really do want to praise and be thankful to whom they think is their Creator or savior. What kept me from admitting to myself my disbelief for as long as it did was the fun and active church community I was a part of in my previous city of residence. For others, the stories, the art, the tradition, and the ceremonies help keep them worshipping and
supposedly believing. Further, religion through the ages has represented our desire for explanations. But as our understanding of the world and universe keeps expanding through science and math, the need for religion to satisfy our desires wanes. But with such a foothold present — community, tradition, culture, and indoctrination — religion persists. Of course… the question of an afterlife is one of the unsolved mysteries that will keep people looking to religion for answers.

Also…ever wondered about sentient life elsewhere in the universe. If there is, it might be an issue for the whole “Mankind’s place at the top of creation” paradigm. And if there isn’t other life out there? That’s an aweful waste of space.

By: Mandat

Mandat — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:42:16 +0000

we have nothing to fear from death, surely through the notion of hell you have inspired a fear in death. people in general cannot fear death itself, the afterlife can be feared and the unknown can be feared but if it is an end then what is there to fear.

to be honest (and i don’t know wether i’m alone in this view) the idea of heaven, whilst not as unpleasant as hell is easily as repellant. do you really want to spend the rest of eternity anywhere doing anything? wouldn’t you want some peace.

if you celebrate life why do you strive to subdue it?

ok that is unfair, you do not believe or feel that you are suppressing it but still…

in short we do not fear death and i don’t know any atheists who base their ideas upon this.

mandatmagic@hotmail.com