Should We Fear Death?
Death is not something that many people want to think about. However, death is a part of living a human life. At least, our current level of science and technology acknowledges that death is inevitable.
Is death something to be afraid of or is death something to look forward to? The answer may depend on who you talk to.
Aside from the obvious religious answers, what body of information exists that can help us to approach this question with some degree of logical thinking? When exacting scientific evidence is lacking, our only option is to consider the anecdotal or subjective experiences that others have had.
Fortunately, there is a body of information that leads to the formation of some interesting thoughts on the subject of death and what it is or what it might lead to. You can find this resource at near-death.com.
Each person is encouraged to draw their own conclusions. Yet, I would like to share some of my thoughts and opinions on the matter.
Many people who have a near-death experience have strikingly similar experiences. There are some who report a horrible experience but the majority report more positive experiences.
Some may have gone to a terrible place, while others seem to leave the pain of the mortal body behind and experience an interesting journey before they revive. Both kinds of experiences have been recorded.
One striking similarity is the ‘life review’ process. This has been reported as a review of one’s entire life where each event is played out before your eyes. People that have experienced this process say that you suddenly become aware of how you affected the people you interacted with during your life.
If you did something that caused them pain, you may become cognizant of those feelings as if you were experiencing them yourself. People report that they feel regretful. The experience doesn’t just extend to that one person, but the effects are like a ripple in a pond and you see how that ripple affects multiple people.
On the other hand, if you did something good you experience that as well. It does appear that the good things involve acting from compassion. For example, one lady said the most significant act of her entire life occurred when she was a little girl. She cupped a flower in her hand and gave it ‘unconditional love’.
Others don’t experience an in depth life review, theirs lasts a few seconds and doesn’t seem to have much impact. Experiences vary someowhat. However, the fundamental similarities remain.
Can a person change as a result of a near-death experience? I was struck by the example of one person who was a self described atheist and hateful person. After his near-death experience he became a minister and a kinder, gentler soul. The change was not only noted by himself, but also by his family members.
Wouldn’t it be fascinating to actually talk to a person who has had a near-death experience? I remember listening to a gentleman named Dannion Brinkley talk about his NDEs (near death experiences). He actually had more than one in his life due to an unfortunate propensity to attract lightning. I found his insights to be very interesting.
If you want to read more about NDEs, visit near-death.com Although it is hard to classify the information there as anything more than subjective, there is a large body of recorded experiences there. Perhaps it will provide you with more insight as to whether death should be feared or not.
David Snape is the author of What You Should Know about Gum Disease – an important book considering that the majority of adults suffer from some form of gum disease. David also answers questions on any health, fitness or wellness topic at his blog: http://tobeinformed.com . David believes in oral irrigation to help fight against gum disease and that the premiere oral irrigation device on the market is the Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes. It does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you have an oral health problem, visit a periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated any statements about products in this article.
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It struck me as oddly biased for a so-called “science” site, when you write: “… who was a self described atheist and hateful person” then “After his near-death experience he became a minister and a kinder, gentler soul.”
A gentler soul as a minister? Oh really? You mean, like those priests who sexually preyed upon children? Or those frauds who get rich from their Evangelist congregations?
I am an atheist and absolutely love life, my family, my country and people in general. Experience has shown me that a disproportionate number of people who are religious seem to be disgruntled, judgmental, and unhappy with this life … which is why, I suppose, they look forward to some sort of afterlife. I realize this may be an unpopular observation, but it is no less true … actually far more true … than categorizing atheists as unkind people haters.
Not all atheists are good people. Not all religious people are good people. But atheists are good people simply because it is the right thing to do, NOT because they are seeking some sort of afterlife reward for being virtuous. Seems to me, the atheist road is often far more Christlike than staying on the straight & narrow in hope of being rewarded by a mythical god.
Mishe Prem: I think I am agree with you, anyway this article is nothing more than author’s opinion. Me personality, I believe in god because this is how I was educated, still I have a very good friend, he is an atheist too, but he is certainly a very good person, happy one. So in a community it doesn’t really matter who is a religious person and who is atheist, all that matters is to have a good relation with everyone.
Very true, great post… Keem ‘em coming!
Yes, I agree
Well said! – I looked at the Wiki on this and it did not have as detailed info – cheers!
I’ve recently been searching all around for this info. Luckily my partner and i discovered this on Google.
Robert
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Waugh. Great blog. Found it by accident when I search for timeline biography. But belive me, I´ll come back to this great blog
Great post. I think you tried to stay as objective as possible and succeeded. Unfortunately you inadvertently touched a nerve with Mishi(the atheist). I can see both viewpoints and I don’t think any are wrong at all. Unfortunately and objective observation of most motives behind war has been religion imposition of one group or groups on others. This doesn’t mean that religion is wrong.
It’s wrong to come to blows because of it. Religion aside, believing the existence of an after life or any recounted near death experiences are actually non religious. If such exist, why bring religion or God into it.
Loved your post. Keep them coming.
Carlos
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Hi,this is Tomiko Walstrum,just identified your web-site on google and i must say this blog is great.may I quote some of the information found in the blog to my local buddies?i am not sure and what you think?in either case,Thank you!
thanks !! very helpful post!
I’m a wife myself, and this brought back memories of when I was pregnant and scared myself. If your pregnant and scared, give the Pregnancy Fear eBook a try. I love the author and she really knows her stuff.