I recently had this very conversation with a 70 year old psychologist/neuroscientist. She taught me about Dimethyltryptamine, which is a brain chemical released in significant quantity right before we die. DMT causes us to have very real euphoric sensations, hallucinations, and even out-of-body type observant experiences. It is believed to be the cause of Near Death Experience in much of the scientific community.
As bland as this sounds, I believe that there is no afterlife, but we experience something so wonderful right before death that it doesn't really matter.
but in all seriousness, there are several religious scholars that i know that have also alluded to the fact that "life eternal", "life abundantly", and all the other allegories to the afterlife are in fact, the "life after" accepting the tenant of that religion.
for example, focusing on christianity, believing that jc is the son of god and through his death and resurrection you are saved is the afterlife, and the life eternal begins right after that moment, and it's not necessarily the moment when your body expires. that the kingdom of heaven is actually here and now, pending your moment of illumination.
i do like that apotheotic moment of clarity that happens with LHC's theory.
This is such a great post. I've bookmarked it so I can look back and see what everyone said later. Kind of absorb it. I like hearing everyone's thoughts outside of heaven and hell. LHC's thoughts were really nice. I have always imagined my brother suffering and alone in his last earthly moments and it's nice to think, perhaps, he was experiencing something altogether different.
I'm not some fanatical Christian. I attend church when I can, but have more of a connection with reading the Bible and interpreting it in my own way. I believe 100% that when you die you will see your loved ones again. I'm not quite sure of what the environment or, logistically, how this after life will be, but I know I will see them all again. I can't imagine thinking anyway else. This faith is what keeps me going and what comforts me. I couldn't fathom the thought that the end, is really the end.
Post by DaisyCakes on May 25, 2012 19:29:48 GMT -5
I hope there's something more than this, but I don't really think there will be at this point. I struggle with this often. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's posts on this topic.
I believe that I will go to heaven, as I have accepted Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior. That gives me a great deal of peace. Asking the Lord to come into my life has given me peace beyond anything else ever has. But, I digress.
Will I see loved ones there? I don't know. I hope so. Will they look the way I know them? I don't know. Will they exist in a different way than on Earth so physical appearances don't matter? Will their presence even matter to me? I don't know.
What I do look forward to is spending Eternity in Heaven. To hearing the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21 To finally receive my reward. Peace, happiness, no pain, love, everlasting joy.
As for others who don't believe as I do? That's up to them. I'm cool with that.