There have been many theories that have been advanced to explain the existence of humanity; where we came from as human beings and what our life purpose is. Still, many questions have gone unanswered. Is there life after death? This is perhaps the most challenging of them all. In an attempt to get an insight on what happens when we die, a group of scientists studied patients that has suffered heart attacks. These patients were dead in every sense of the word since their hearts stopped at least momentarily.
Responding to the question of what had transpired when they were dead, a significant number of the patients said that they saw the events that took place as resuscitation efforts were underway. Another group said that the period was that of bliss and they felt free. There were accounts that mentioned the presence of a bright light. Violence and discomfort were described by yet another group.
The biggest challenge here is that it is very difficult to ascertain the truth behind these accounts. There is a high probability that these visions are greatly influenced by the beliefs of the subjects. For instance, if you believe that there is suffering after death then it is likely that you will have an unpleasant feeling. The reverse is also true. In other words, these ideas may simply have resulted from the subconscious mind.
Many different religious beliefs related to dying and its aftermath exist. It is generally believed that there is another existencr after we die. The promise of an afterlife is perhaps the biggest determinant of membership to religion. There are many contrasts as well as similarities among all the religions that believe in the presence of life after death.
Virtually all religions believe in the existence of God or higher power. God is the creator and terminator of life. Once we die, our bodies are separated from our souls and the souls go back to him. The soul moves to the creator and has the ability to live for eternity. Every living thing has a soul.
In Christianity and Islam it is believed that the new existence will start after the end of times. All those that will have died before this time will be judged according to their deeds on earth while alive. Those that were righteous will be rewarded with everlasting life with the creator while those that led unrighteous lives will be sent to hell, a furnace that burns for an eternity.
Reincarnation is a belief that when a person dies, their soul enters another body and they continue living. It is a belief that is characteristic of many Asian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. In the latter, there is no belief in the existence of a soul. Rather, new existence is said to be propagated by a stream of consciousness that moves from one flesh to another.
In spite of extensive research, death has remained a mystery. The most frustrating thing is that the dead have remained dead as far as we know and they never contribute to such discussions. May be the only time to find out is when our turn comes.
Responding to the question of what had transpired when they were dead, a significant number of the patients said that they saw the events that took place as resuscitation efforts were underway. Another group said that the period was that of bliss and they felt free. There were accounts that mentioned the presence of a bright light. Violence and discomfort were described by yet another group.
The biggest challenge here is that it is very difficult to ascertain the truth behind these accounts. There is a high probability that these visions are greatly influenced by the beliefs of the subjects. For instance, if you believe that there is suffering after death then it is likely that you will have an unpleasant feeling. The reverse is also true. In other words, these ideas may simply have resulted from the subconscious mind.
Many different religious beliefs related to dying and its aftermath exist. It is generally believed that there is another existencr after we die. The promise of an afterlife is perhaps the biggest determinant of membership to religion. There are many contrasts as well as similarities among all the religions that believe in the presence of life after death.
Virtually all religions believe in the existence of God or higher power. God is the creator and terminator of life. Once we die, our bodies are separated from our souls and the souls go back to him. The soul moves to the creator and has the ability to live for eternity. Every living thing has a soul.
In Christianity and Islam it is believed that the new existence will start after the end of times. All those that will have died before this time will be judged according to their deeds on earth while alive. Those that were righteous will be rewarded with everlasting life with the creator while those that led unrighteous lives will be sent to hell, a furnace that burns for an eternity.
Reincarnation is a belief that when a person dies, their soul enters another body and they continue living. It is a belief that is characteristic of many Asian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. In the latter, there is no belief in the existence of a soul. Rather, new existence is said to be propagated by a stream of consciousness that moves from one flesh to another.
In spite of extensive research, death has remained a mystery. The most frustrating thing is that the dead have remained dead as far as we know and they never contribute to such discussions. May be the only time to find out is when our turn comes.
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