This thread is a resonponse to something Buz brought up in the thread
Atheistic Preacher?. The thread was getting a little off topic, so I thought I'd move the discussion to a new thread.
Buzz said
Buzsaw writes:
Since the grave is the end to them [atheists], I don't understand why they spend their relatively few moments of existence trying to convince others that they should join their group.
Some, in their hopelessness end their own lives prematurely when life becomes tough or unpleasant.
(Emphasis mine)
Now the topic I want to discuss is whether or not atheists have more reasons to want to die than christians? This doesn't just have to include suicide, but a basic wish for this life to end.
As far as I can tell, christians have no more reason to want to continue living than atheists do. Christians believe in an afterlife that is meant to be superior to this life. When a loved one dies it is common to say things like "don't be sad, they've gone to a better place" etc. In fact it could be argued that there are plenty of reasons why a christian would want to stop fighting for this life completely. Not necessarily suicide, but not trying so hide to dodge that bus that is coming straight for you, or not clinging so desperately to that ledge when you slip etc. Afterall, you'll end up in a better place afterwards.
Obviously I don't think that christians
want to die, but what reason would a christian have to continue living that
only a christian could have? If a christian wants to continue living due to love of life (their family, friends, experiences etc), then as an atheist all of those reasons are accessible to me.
This message has been edited by happy_atheist, 11-01-2004 01:19 PM
™ Version 4.2