When The Symphony Stops Playing
My article on death and the soul (or lack thereof) is in today’s issue of the Humanist Network News. As you can see, I used Dale’s symphony analogy (and quoted him, giving him proper credit) for the title.
Thanks for all your thoughts on the last two posts! They were amazing to read. And they just kept coming and coming. So many of you posted for the first time and I really appreciate it. You’re all welcome back if you have more to say!
My apologies, by the way, on my wording of the first question in the last post. It made the assumption that we have a soul and that was purely accidental.
But for now, if you don’t already get HNN in your inbox, head on over to read my article, When The Sympony Stops Playing. If you have thoughts you can write a letter to the editor at HNN or you can comment here on my blog.
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March 19th, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Noell,
Many of your comments regarding your thoughts and concerns regarding death and unlikely afterlife mirror many of my own.
It is my belief that if the bulk of humanity rid itself of the burden of religion and the anticipation of afterlife, ultimately we would more effectively focus our efforts on the here and now. Our perception of the value of our earthly lives could rise exponentially. Instead of looking beyond this life, we could stop spending money on the building of mega-churches and supporting the extravagant life styles of rich and famous evangelists, and spend at least some of it on people in need.
Again, as I’ve stated the absolute end of our existence being concomitant with our physical death is not a happy prospect. But it is, nevertheless one we must accept. Of course, your particular dilemma includes the problem of presenting this to your children. That job is rendered more difficult owing to the pervasive and ubiquitous presence of the millions of people, some of whom are part of your own family who maintain their belief in god and life beyond. It can obviously create conflict and confusion for children.
That is largely the focus of your efforts. As you have shown, it takes a great deal of patience, long deliberation and careful communicating with your own and other children. Ultimately, I suppose as they mature, they will be left to make their own decisions in this regard. But in the interim, it is up to you and your husband to guide and inform them in what the facts and choices are.
My kids, now in their 20s, were allowed for the most part to guide themselves through the maze of religion and non-belief with just gentle nudges along the way. Happily, it seems to have worked for the most part.
TLS
April 3rd, 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Hi Noelle,
I’ve been reading your column for a few months now and love your perspective. I am a Jewish non-beliver and wasn’t ever raised with concern or talk of an afterlife. I guess we were always raised with the idea that what’s important is to be a good person today and after you die, you “live on” through the good that you do while alive…you live through memories. I love your idea of leaving pieces of yourself for your kids.
Thanks!