If Christians believe that they go to a better place when they die, why are they afraid of death? At my school we had this project where we talked about things important to us and what we feared, stuff like that. Anyway, most of the people who answered that they thought God and Christ were very important to them were also very afraid of death. If someone believes in an afterlife and a benevolent god, why are they scared of leaving the earth to go to what they believe is a better place?
I don’t know if the people in my class who answered this way are “true Christians” or not, but I still wondered why.
The only explanations I can think of is that they have a little doubt, or that they believe they are going to go to Hell. Can some other people shed some light on the subject?
It’s perfectly possible to believe in life after death with your head, but from the neck down to still be a biological organism that wants to live. This doesn’t make you any less of a Christian.
Maybe the response you viewed was more a function of youth than Christianity. I’m not sure what age you or the kids in question are (you did say a school); but sometimes the unknown can be scarier to kids than adults. They’re probably afraid of getting a job as well.
Anyway, I run into a lot of Christians in my life. Me for instance, my family, church members, and several colleaugues. No one I know is ‘afraid’ of death. Certainly no one is in a hurry to exit this life, but that does not equate with fear.
People can have doubts, especially about what lies ahead after death. Even Christians. No one really knows what Heaven is like or exactly what is in store for anyone once we die. But as Christians, we have faith that it will be good and that we will be in the presence of God.
Say, divemaster, I see you live in Silver Spring. Are you coming to the DC/Balt Doper gathering next month? It’s in Greenbelt on the evening of Sat. 6/17; check the link for further details. Hope to see you!
divemaster said: **Maybe the response you viewed was more a function of youth than Christianity. I’m not sure what age you or the kids in question are (you did say a school); but sometimes the unknown can be scarier to kids than adults. They’re probably afraid of getting a job as well. **
8th grade, and the people who said that were 13-14 year olds.
Was the percentage of Christians that were afraid of death significantly higher, significantly lower, or about the same as the number of non-Christians that were afraid of death?
Most of the non-Christians (including me, I’m not saying being non-Christian is bad or weird, seeing as I am one) said stuff like they feared the fat kid in the class, or stupid people. And things that were important to them were other crazy things. So I don’t think we could judge this from them.
I don’t think anybody (in general) wants to discontinue their life whether they believe in Heaven or some kind of afterlife.
I myself am Christian and I feel that death is a scary thing because it is so beyond my comprehension.
Well, are they afraid of “death” or of “dying?” I’m not religious and not afraid of death—but I do not relish lying in a hospital with tubes sticking out of me, or getting my head blown off by a jealous wife, or having a stroke and being eaten alive by my cats.
Like Woody Allen said, “I don’t mind the thought of dying; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
Jello, I think you’re being too general here. You can’t really tell what all Christians feel just from the response of a classroom of 13-14 year olds, not all of whom are Christian.
By the way, I’m Catholic, and I think you can gather my feelings about death from my sig line.
I think some doubt may play a role for 13-14 year olds in particular. that is typically an age where people examine their beliefs.
Otherwise I think a certain fear of death is normal and healthy, whatever one’s religions beliefs…even in going to a beautiful afterlife, you leave behind many beautiful things on Earth…family, friends, career, things you wanted to accomplish.
I doubt most Christians believe they are going to Hell. I think the only bunch that had views like that were the Assyrians, but many of them deserved it anyway (read your history and you will see why I say that…rough bunch, them).
Is it possible that being a Christian and still fearing death means you don’t really buy it? I mean, you can say whatever you want now while your safe, but is it different when your ass is on the line? I think so.
I’m a Christian, and I’m not afraid of death. I don’t want to leave this world yet, though. I’m still young and have many things to do and see. But if it is God’s will that I take the next step soon, then I can handle it. In fact, I think about it quite a bit, and I’ve told my family that, when I’m gone, I want them to celebrate my life, not mourn my death, because I will be in a far better place.
I think fearing the METHOD of one’s death is very human, and to be expected.
Occam, for me, the strength of my faith determines the strength of my convictions. I imagine some Christians, like ANY member of the human race, doubt EVERYTHING, and vacillate from day to day regarding what they do or don’t “buy”.
Geet-
You might be write about the METHOD. Still, like I said, your safe now so you can say whatever you want…I wonder if your convictions will change moments before you see the end.
On the otherhand, what better time is there to convert to Christ?
Would you care for an accounting of all the atrocities in history perpetrated in the name of Christ? David B would be glad to help you out there, as would any competent historian. When you are without sin, start throwing stones!
Good observation, Occam! I haven’t really figured out how to quote yet, so I’m referring to your last sentence.
I think that, just because someone is afraid to die, doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t “buy” into Christianity. I think it just means they’re human.
I’m afraid of the method of my own death. And of course I can’t address it in experiential terms, like “hey, been there, done that. No big deal”. Maybe Shirley McClaine can… So I guess what I CAN say is “I truly believe that I am not afraid of death”. I have NO idea how I’ll act when faced with it, but I want to believe that I won’t abandon my long-held convictions.
Good observation, Occam! I haven’t really figured out how to quote yet, so I’m referring to your last sentence.
Maybe Shirley McClaine can… So I guess what I CAN say is “I truly believe that I am not afraid of death”. I have NO idea how I’ll act when faced with it, but I want to believe that I won’t abandon my long-held convictions.