How to overcome the fear of death?

[Cinjin]

The reason I don't like the idea of dying, is because I cherish my family. I can hardly conceive of all the love I once had for them, not existing anymore.

o jesustapdancingchrist. What the fuck do you want us to say after all that's been said??? Nobody likes the idea of dying. THAT'S WHY we invented thousands of religions.
If you're so afraid than convert to christianity, get stupid, feel fuzzy and stop crying.
It'll change nothing. You're still going to die pal. We all love our families. We're all going to die. Get over it.

[festive1]

The reason I don't like the idea of dying, is because I cherish my family. I can hardly conceive of all the love I once had for them, not existing anymore.

But they'll know you loved them and they'll carry that ability to love with them and hopefully pass it on. That's a happy thought.

[gambino]

I don't see why you feel the need to attack me when I'm simply commenting on the topic of discussion. You are getting way out of hand. If you're that sensitive about this topic, maybe you shouldn't share your input.

Not liking the idea of death is very different than fearing it.

The reason I don't like the idea of dying, is because I cherish my family. I can hardly conceive of all the love I once had for them, not existing anymore.

o jesustapdancingchrist. What the fuck do you want us to say after all that's been said??? Nobody likes the idea of dying. THAT'S WHY we invented thousands of religions.
If you're so afraid than convert to christianity, get stupid, feel fuzzy and stop crying.
It'll change nothing. You're still going to die pal. We all love our families. We're all going to die. Get over it.

[Cato]

I recommend the entire interview, but regarding your concerns please start viewing at 6:35 and give it about a minute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTQ15DrOu2w

[rubikscube]

I don't see why you feel the need to attack me when I'm simply commenting on the topic of discussion. You are getting way out of hand. If you're that sensitive about this topic, maybe you shouldn't share your input.

Not liking the idea of death is very different than fearing it.

o jesustapdancingchrist. What the fuck do you want us to say after all that's been said??? Nobody likes the idea of dying. THAT'S WHY we invented thousands of religions.
If you're so afraid than convert to christianity, get stupid, feel fuzzy and stop crying.
It'll change nothing. You're still going to die pal. We all love our families. We're all going to die. Get over it.

*agrees* There is no reason to convert to Christianity just because the idea of death isn't comforting. And yelling at everyone who has issues with death isn't going to make the issues go away. Just going to tell everyone how agressive atheists are.

Obviously nothing is going to be perfect. We do die. Just be glad there isn't a hell, or else we'd all go there for being sinful atheists. Nothing has got to be better than eternal torment.

[Cinjin]

I don't see why you feel the need to attack me when I'm simply commenting on the topic of discussion. You are getting way out of hand. If you're that sensitive about this topic, maybe you shouldn't share your input.

Not liking the idea of death is very different than fearing it.

First of all, I don't think you know what an attack is. I expressed disdain for your response. Where exactly is this alleged attack?
Secondly, I was short with you because you didn't actually comment on all these good members valuable responses. You merely repeated how you dislike death, rather than actually taking one of our ideas and weighing in. You offer us no additional responses except to merely repeat ourselves. That is annoying.

I'm not "mad" at you. Your OP offers up a very legitimate point, and I was looking forward to an evolving conversation, not a bunch of atheists trying to give a sad guy a pep talk. We already knew you didn't like death. What a shock ... a human doesn't like the idea of saying goodbye to his loved ones. Well no shit Captain Obvious. Why do you think the christards invented heaven?

Lastly, if I say words like jesusfuckingchrist, no shit, god damn, holy fuck or any other expletives when I address you, that does not mean that I am blistering with anger. It may mean any number of things: Protest, boredom, mockery, exasperation, etc etc., in your case it was only meant as disappointment, as I was hoping for much more.

Now back to your OP ...
Death is a part of life and I think that if you are truly overwhelmed by the reality of your own demise than you should simply keep it out of your mind. I have found that people who constantly contemplate death are far more susceptible to bouts of depression and daily anxiety. That being said, I offered you up an option that does not involve religion whatsoever but might offer you a bit of peace of mind.

[Cato]

The reason I don't like the idea of dying, is because I cherish my family. I can hardly conceive of all the love I once had for them, not existing anymore.

Quit obsessing about what you can't control. If loving your family is what's important then make damn sure you dipense to them as much as you can before you go tits up. You act as if those you leave behind will not remember your love. I'm atheist, but I still light two candles every Christmas on behalf of my departed grandmother in the candelabras she gave me for this very express purpose. Grandma was hardcore catholic, but she gave me these a few years after my 'open' atheism.

Concern for your posterity is futile and narcissistic. The memory of almost all humans passes with those that actually knew them. The exception of course are people of noteriety; e.g. Aristotle, Lincoln, Hitler, Einstein, etc. If our species survives another 20,000 years even these names will become minor notes in an historical tome. This says nothing about what happens a billion years from now.

Oblivion is our destiny. Be thankful for the ride and make the most of it. Any other attitude does a disservice to those you proclaim to love.

[pocaracas]

Here's a nice Christmas song on the subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUFfeTjuPeg

[Whateverist]

Here's a nice Christmas song on the subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUFfeTjuPeg

This really gives me hope.

[Welsh cake]

Fearing the cessation of your existence after life is as irrational as fearing the absence of your existence before life.