If they think there is an afterlife then why do they fear death? In the case of christians, many of them believe in Hell, so this might explain it. But why do they still cry if a loved one dies who respected all the christian rules in their lifetime?

(February 9, 2018 at 8:33 am)Die Atheistin Wrote: If they think there is an afterlife then why do they fear death? In the case of christians, many of them believe in Hell, so this might explain it. But why do they still cry if a loved one dies who respected all the christian rules in their lifetime?

In answer to the first question: Because it's human to fear the idea of dying regardless of one's religious convictions.

In answer to the second question: For the same/similar reason one cries when a loved one goes overseas to live in a country far, far away.

Not following all 600+ Laws in Leviticus otta give most of 'em cause for concern . . . .

If'n they REALLY believed in Jebus, comporting themselves accordingly should be a piece of cake.

(February 9, 2018 at 8:33 am)Die Atheistin Wrote: If they think there is an afterlife then why do they fear death? In the case of christians, many of them believe in Hell, so this might explain it. But why do they still cry if a loved one dies who respected all the christian rules in their lifetime?

I think that change is difficult and often emotional.  You may find a similar reaction to a loved one who is moving away, and that you likely won't see them again or for a long while.  I've seen mothers cry when their child goes off to school for the first time, or then when moving out for college.  It's still a loss in the immediate sense.  So I wouldn't equate crying with fear.

As you had mentioned, Christians do have something to fear in the judgment.  There is also hope here.  But it seems to me, that your question can also be flipped around.   Apart from the emotional toll of change and an immediate loss.   Why do atheist cry at funerals?  If life is meaningless and there is nothing afterwords, then what does the non-believer have to fear (apart from the change and immediate loss I already mentioned)?

Also, I feel obliged to note, that I don't think that Christianity is about following the rules or checking off more boxes in one column over another.  There's only one box that needs to be checked (Are you His?)

(February 9, 2018 at 8:52 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: Why do atheist cry at funerals?  If life is meaningless and there is nothing afterwords, then what does the non-believer have to fear (apart from the change and immediate loss I already mentioned)?

Speaking for myself, I don't cry at funerals for people I have no emotional attachment to. I will cry, however, for someone whom I did have love and affection for. It's nothing to do with fear, but rather with the prospect that I will never get to enjoy bonding with them ever again.

And why exclude change and immediate loss as if they couldn't be the totality of reasons for why some atheists cry at funerals for loved ones?

(February 9, 2018 at 8:52 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: I think that change is difficult and often emotional.  You may find a similar reaction to a loved one who is moving away, and that you likely won't see them again or for a long while.  I've seen mothers cry when their child goes off to school for the first time, or then when moving out for college.  It's still a loss in the immediate sense.  So I wouldn't equate crying with fear.

As you had mentioned, Christians do have something to fear in the judgment.  There is also hope here.  But it seems to me, that your question can also be flipped around.   Apart from the emotional toll of change and an immediate loss.   Why do atheist cry at funerals?  If life is meaningless and there is nothing afterwords, then what does the non-believer have to fear (apart from the change and immediate loss I already mentioned)?

Also, I feel obliged to note, that I don't think that Christianity is about following the rules or checking off more boxes in one column over another.  There's only one box that needs to be checked (Are you His?)

Atheist don't neceserally think life is meaningless just because there is no God. Nihilism is the philosophy that there is no objective meaning to the world, but it doesn't mean there isn't any subjective, many atheists are nihilists. Because atheists don't believe in an afterlife, many of them try to live this life at it's fullest. They too have loved ones, and if someone dear dies and you don't believe in an afterlife, it means you won't believe you'll meet them again.

Also, there tons of christian denominations, it's impossible not to fit in one of the many boxes if you're christian.

(February 9, 2018 at 8:57 am)Grandizer Wrote:

(February 9, 2018 at 8:52 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: Why do atheist cry at funerals?  If life is meaningless and there is nothing afterwords, then what does the non-believer have to fear (apart from the change and immediate loss I already mentioned)?

Speaking for myself, I don't cry at funerals for people I have no emotional attachment to. I will cry, however, for someone whom I did have love and affection for. It's nothing to do with fear, but rather with the prospect that I will never get to enjoy bonding with them ever again.

And why exclude change and immediate loss as if they couldn't be the totality of reasons for why some atheists cry at funerals for loved ones?

We posted at the same time earlier.   I don't think that we are that far apart on this.  

Also you may note, that I didn't exclude these reasons (see part in parenthesis above).  I was just flipping it around, to get the OP to think through it more.

Because fear of death is instinctive.

Because we miss the people we love when they pass away.

Hey, look at that, Christians are human beings too!!!!!

(February 9, 2018 at 8:33 am)Die Atheistin Wrote: If they think there is an afterlife then why do they fear death? In the case of christians, many of them believe in Hell, so this might explain it. But why do they still cry if a loved one dies who respected all the christian rules in their lifetime?

Cuz they realize they are going to burn on high heat setting in hell forever for claiming there are no atheists in foxholes.

"They're no longer suffering" I can take (depending on circumstances), but "they're now in a better place" just drives me up the wall.