by Trisha Mcfadden

Created on: June 08, 2009

As with the need to believe in a Supreme Being, man also has the need to believe in an afterlife.

Does this afterlife, defined by most as supreme happiness or eternal damnation, govern our behavior? As with children, are we only doing the right thing because we fear the consequences? The final winning ticket into nirvana provided we lead a good life.

I certainly hope not.

What I find interesting are those who believe in heaven but not hell. Those, who state, if you ask forgiveness in your dying moments God will grant you access to Him, for he is a kind, loving father who would not turn his back on us. That seems very convenient and not all that fair. Live a rotten life, find God in the end and you are home free. I know life isn't fair but death should be.

Ego is the true motivator in the belief of an afterlife. Man cannot and will not accept the fact that dying is the end and the only reward is that those whose lives we touched can say, "He/She was a good man/woman". For the vast majority that just isn't enough.

As one who does not believe in a supreme being, I don't believe in the promise of eternal reward. I live a good life because it brings me joy, satisfaction and peace. I am quite content to live without the fear of damnation if I mess up. Living without the belief in an afterlife does not give us free reign to do as we please.

I do however; believe that our spirit lives on. That we take on another life that, if explored in our very early years, can be discovered. We have all heard the term "old soul", someone who has been here before. My youngest child is an old soul. I thought that from the time she was two years old and starting to speak. She spoke very thoughtfully almost wisely. When she was six and making new friends, one of the Moms in our circle used the same term in referring to my daughter. Though very surprised at her statement I told her I had always felt that way. She is now a teenager and has only traces of the aura that surrounded her in her early years.

The ancient Egyptians sent the dead on their journey to the afterlife with all they would need. Mementos of life here on earth. A time forgotten ritual, I think not. How many of us have seen or placed a picture of a loved ones family or a favorite item into the coffin of a dearly departed? Do we really believe the person is taking that with them or is it just symbolic, a comfort to those left behind? We visit gravesites and place flowers in remembrance. Some do this out of ritual; some believe the person is present watching over them.

As with many aspects of human nature, we just don't like finality. We reproduce so a part of us will live on. Death cannot be avoided so we place the hope of a next step. A promise of an eternal reward (or suffering). Or, better yet, a chance to do it all over again and maybe this time get it right!

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