Do you believe in your God, but still fear death?

Wouldn't non-existence really stink...... I don't like the thoguht of not-having-fun anymore...

Cycleman,

The other animals fear death also. They express the same fears about death as we do, and at the hands of a "killer" (such as the lion that is about to eat them), they exhibit the same "moment of connection" with their murderer as we humans do. It's that intimate understanding and "submission" that I'm talking about.

However they don't believe in god or gods.

They aren't capable of complex thought and therefore aren't aware of their own mortality. We have conscious thought and KNOW of our own impending death. This is too horrific for us to fathom and think about (the thought of it all "ending") so we create a way out....an everlasting life if you will.

God.

I don't think that animals understand the real meaning of an impending death.

They aknowledge their "adversary" and then their survival instinct kicks in- whether it is the need to escape or to feed.

Again, even when elephants leave for their burial grounds, I believe that it is an instinctual thing- not because they've "rationalized" their demise.

That does make sense, God.

i do not fear death...just pain and suffering.

Ditto post #5.

having an ongoing history of depression (though medication does a good job of stabilizing me) I think/have thought about death a lot.

when i think about death, it is mostly couched in my philosophy about life and what makes life "sacred" to use a popular term.

I am not a proponent of life being "sacred" just because there are biologically defined signs of life. I think life has meaning and sacredness only to the extent that there is a quality to it.

that being said, I am the only judge for myself as to what that quality is. I do become audacious enough to pass judgment on the quality and "sacredness" of others' lives when it comes to that person's crimes or burdens on society...i.e. death penalty issues.

however, I don't think that EVERYONE who is a burden on society is disqualified from "sacredness" of life. though I would support something such as abortion if you know your child were going to live with a grave mental or physical deformity.....I WOULD NOT suggest that such a choice is right for all. Many such children are loved and cared for by parents and others and contribute to the lives of those around them just by existing.

However, for myself, I can imagine life being to the point that it is not worth it....for myself. Though I think I have been close to that a couple times, I obviously never got all the way to that point. And I reserve the right to view my life that way no matter what the law or moral code says.

But as described above, I would walk softly regarding judgment of others' lives regarding "sacredness."

Didn't mean to turn this into an abortion/euthanasia/suicide debate.....just the issues that come up with my thinking of death.

And no...I am not afraid of death, even though I'm not sure how God will judge me. I do believe that If I am judged harshly, countless others will be judged likewise and be very surprised.

But I have weighed those risks and willingly take them.

Hearing Aids can Help!

Christians are often confused about their fear of death, but knowledge casts out fear. When we really begin to understand all the bible has to say about our future, we no longer have a fear of death.

Some Christians feel guilt because they still fear death. But they're confused . . . . they don't really fear death, but dying (the process of death). Nobody looks forward to the actual process of dying because it is often painful, bloody, horrific and can be a long drawn out process.

People say "I want to go to heaven, but I don't want to die."

I have no doubt that if every person on the board fully knew and understood heaven (at least what the bible reveals), and what assures us of going there, and exercises the faith to establish a personal relationship with the Lord, all fear of death would pass.

I love life, even my painful one, but I long for the next one. More every day.

Tuck

I can't believe I'm the only one to see or comment on this.

"so we create a way out....an everlasting life if you will.

God."

Adroomi-

Are you saying that "man" created God??? Please explain. I'm sure that I totally misunderstood what you are trying to say here.

Really, this can't be what you meant to say. No way you meant that...

Mattie, I was waiting for someone else to speak to that incredible post.

And did you notice adreamy is now signing his posts as "God"? He's finally revealed who he really is. And he usually spells "God" with a lower case "g", until he's referring to himself.

I'll give him this . . . . . he's brave. I'd never even think of insulting Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, in this manner. Brave, or mighty dumb.

Tuck

I understand the thoughts behind Adroomi's statement.

Man created religon.

BTW I am a christain, but not religous. Catholisism has been said, that it was created to control the masses.

Really wasn't looking to fight about God's... but the fear of death. I have had to face it many times and it scares the crap out of me,,,,, each time.

This is what I don't like:

If/when I die .... I don't get to ride my cycles the next day. THAT,,,,, makes me mad.

Cycle-

Without an aguementative tone....How can you be a Christian and not be religious?

To me, that is an oxymoron. To be a Christian, is to be Christ like. Do you not think that Jesus was religious?

Really, I'm so confused about what people are saying on this thread. Please help me to understand fellas.

You can be one who believes in God and Much of what is taught in the Bible Without belonging to any particular church. I think that is what Cycle was trying to say. I believe the same.

Jack-

When you say that you believe "much" of the Bible, who or what determines those parts?

Is it totally up to your discretion? I'm trying to understand what parts do you choose to believe.

What makes sense to me with my God- Given Intelligence. God Speaks to me daily.

????

Does God tell you what parts of the Bible to follow?

Really, I would love to hear you justify your statement. Because I don't follow what you are trying to say.

And another thing...

Does God tell you "daily" don't worry about going to my house for worship??? Do not affiliate yourself with others who believe in the Almighty.

How can you speak to God daily and not be Religious???

It is awful presumptuous of you to question's someone's personal relationship with God.

I spoke with God a few minutes ago and he said I shouldn't answer you. (one of those "if you HAVE to ask things....).