Life After Death free essay sample

Although it can easily be argued that not having direct knowledge of an afterlife constitutes evidence against life after death. Life after death cannot be disproven; only the evidence in its favour can be scrutinized and rational non-believers are left to make the conclusion that life after death cannot be proven. †¢ It is hard to imagine any species (ie. mankind) would reach such a high level of consciousness of our own existence if it were all to end with this life. There is no evolutionary advantage or biological need for this. For a mortal life here on earth, the human mind is much more advanced than necessary. Possibly we have reached such a state of consciousness, because there is a continuum to this life after this one ends? Just being conscious of our existence suggests that there may be an afterlife. Why else would we be aware of our mortality or be concerned with life after death? Possibly we can only fathom we could cease to exist because we never will cease to exist? In fact, awareness of our mortality or immortality and what it means goes beyond the awareness you exist (consciousness). We will write a custom essay sample on Life After Death or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Having a soul can explain consciousness, but if we do not possess souls, then how do we account for consciousness? If it so happens that ones existence can end at any time and is not everlasting, it makes ones existence pointless in the first place and really, the ultimate form of cruelty. †¢ Why life? There is no scientific reason for the existence of life. The universe doesnt care if there is life in it it does not benefit from it. Yet life, and especially more advanced life with consciousness like us humans, came about. A driving force in the universe behind it that made it all happen would make sense. Many would call such a driving force, God. †¢ It is difficult for some of us to believe there is life after death because it is all seems too incredible that we have a soul which leaves the body upon physical death and goes on to somewhere else. This is more so the case when many of us are wrapped up in our busy day to day lives with little time for reflection. Then we do not take time out to ponder how the bigger scheme of things might be because it has little bearing on our busy every day life with all its commitments, responsibilities, and distractions. If we were to put ourselves in a very dark room with no sounds or distractions when we arent tired or sleepy, and engage in deep thought about the subject, then we may have more insight into what may actually be the truth. Of course the alternative, that there is no survival of consciousness, is all too hard to believe for many of us also. †¢ If we came from the other side, then should we not have fear of returning to it. So we should not have a fear of death as we could make the assumption that we would likely have some instinct built into us that we dont need to worry about our mortality since we are immortal. However, for the large part, this fear of death exists in most people to varying degrees. Why are we not aware of where we came from and where we are going when we die? Why do we exist at all? What is the purpose of our existence and our life in this world? If we are reincarnated so that we may improve our souls, then should we not know this? If, as taught by Christianity this is our only life on earth, then why do we not have direct knowledge of this? Why is God not in direct contact with us? Maybe not knowing is a better test for us. Going into this life on earth maybe we know the answers to the preceding questions, but once here this knowledge is taken from us and we only can speculate we therefore live our lives differently possibly and are not motivated by some selfish reward for a good life lived and the suffering we endure is of greater benefit to us. In other words, having direct knowledge of the afterlife would mean we would be motivated by reward (spiritual improvement) in our actions and would not suffer as much and therefore would not improve as much spiritually. I dont think it was the intent of God or the universal consciousness (assuming there is such) to reveal all to the satisfaction of everyone of us. For if it had, then surely we would all be believers. It all seems to be part of a greater plan to have it all this way. I dont agree with some who believe mankind is not capable of understanding or comprehending this. For mankind not only has a great understanding of many difficult and complex areas of say science, but also made the discoveries to make it possible. At the very least, if all were to be revealed, the essence of it all should be understood by most. Life after death free essay sample The Independent Study Unit (ISU) assignment allows students the opportunity to choose a religion to study on their own. The first step of this assignment is to select one of the following religions: Confucianism Daoism Shinto Faith Falun Gong Cao Dai Once you have selected one of the religions, post your responses to the following three questions: Religion: Confucianism 1. Positive Afterlife Potential – What is the reward individuals in this belief-system can expect if they achieve their highest religious goals? (2%) (About 50-75 Words) There is no belief of heaven or hell and they do not belief in resurrection. Followers do not really belief in afterlife. There is a gloomy concept of heaven. They belief that life is temporary and nothing is left after person is dead. As per Chinese, there could be more than one soul. After death, one soul answers for good or bad, second soul stays in grave and third soul goes to ancestral tablet. We will write a custom essay sample on Life after death or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2. Negative Afterlife Potential – What are the negative consequences if individuals fail to achieve their highest religious goals? Heaven or hell or resurrection is not one of the beliefs of afterlife. Thus, followers are more concentrated to make their life better. They are big believers in fate. As per them, anything that is done in life is a result of faith. They believe that human body is mortal and spirit is immortal. In every house that is a temple for dead. They believe that evil followers are given early deaths or face disasters. http://death. findyourfate. com/life-after-death/confucianism. html http://www. csuchico. Impact on Lifestyle – List and briefly describe four ways in which believers in this system demonstrate their faith in their daily lives. These may be specific practices, prayers, meditations, or holy days. (4%) (About 100-150 Words) As per references there are no actual prayers in this religion. Followers do not belief in religion. They believe in happiness. Confucianism is composed of set of philosophies set by Confucius which are followed and respected by people. Followers might not belief in God whereas they may belief in practices. They believe is in education. Religious practice also includes birth, marriage and death. After baby is born, mother is given a special diet and rest for one month. Marriage is long process involving proposal, engagement, dowry, procession, marriage and reception and the next morning. Death is announced by loud crying of family. Funeral and other necessary ritual are completed. A priest is responsible for performing burial rituals.