JNS888,
I didn't mean that it was important to commit to a religous view, I meant it was important to decide on something, even if that something is that nothing happens after we die. That decision gives you some comfort, for one who believes that nothing happens, there is a certain peace to that I guess; not worrying about facing any kind of "judgement".
This does seem to be a common issue with many people. Somehow they perceive a need to make a choice whatever, when really, and quite often, a choice need not be made. Perhaps people simply need to learn patience.
The agnostic view, though, really, the only logical point of view, leaves you wondering, "What if one of these religions is right?" Or, I guess that person could just not worry about it.
I guess by agnostic you are adopting the lay view that perceives the term to mean “don’t know” or neutral. When looked at more closely the basis of atheism and that lay view of agnosticism are equivalent, i.e. an absence of theistic belief. Very few here and very few atheists in general adopt the assertive belief that God or a god does not exist. That belief perception tends to be how theists see atheists and it isn’t accurate.
But to your point, the issue of wondering whether gods exist or not is significant for people who have been bombarded for most of their lives by religious assumptions and statements, such that they have become conditioned to feel there might be something to consider. When viewed objectively the god concept is simply an imaginative fantasy and has no semblance of factual context. Put that together with the typical sheep mentality of the masses of unthinking people on the planet who prefer to accept a “nice” idea than accept what might be unpleasant and we end up with the notion that “well so many people believe it then it is likely to be true, right?”, and that is just a classic logical fallacy.
As to death: There are 3 essential positions –
1. believe there is some kind of soul that can survive physical death
2. have no idea whether there is a soul or not and ignore the issue
3. don’t find the soul concept convincing and take steps to overcome the death problem through non religious means
The first is the age old idea of spirits and souls that have given rise to the thousands of religions throughout the millenniums. It is now so embedded in the minds of people across the planet and appears in so much media and fiction that it is difficult to see how it might not have value. Yet there is nothing to indicate a soul/spirit could or might exist, and especially less so now that we have some understanding of brain function.
The second group of people is simply the vast majority who really don’t know what to believe, generally follow their local customs and culture, and hope for the best.
The third group is currently small but generally views anti-aging research and modern science and technology as ways to extend life and increase longevity and perhaps even avoid death.
When considering the broader perspective of all religions we see that death is the single factor they all share and they all offer a promise to cheat it. It plays firmly into that basic human desire and primeval instinct to survive, and that permanent non existence is not an acceptable outcome. And from that a vast number of imaginative scenarios, gods, reincarnations, etc, and rules are invented, that would allow this mythical spirit entity to survive physical death. It is all total fantasy.
If we are to survive and overcome death it will mean we have to work hard to achieve it. All the evidence tells us that death is ugly and permanent and that it isn’t a magical gateway to a utopian paradise as religions want us to believe and billions of gullible people buy.
.
