Afterlife?

My mother is facing open heart surgery in just a few days, so we moved her in with us. Inevitably, the worst-case scenario conversation took place. While my mother is no doubt searching for the comfort of an all-knowing deity, I know in her heart that she knows there is no such thing. It’s a classic struggle. Her desire and emotion vs. her reason and intellect. Only time will tell the winner.

When she asked me my opinion, I really felt it was necessary to temper my response. After all, there was no need in getting into a Atheist vs. Christian debate with only a few days out from her surgery. I explained to her my beliefs, but then told her that my advice to her was to, “cling to whatever beliefs you need to in order to wake up from the anesthesia.”

I really think I differ in a lot of ways from my brother’s brand of atheism. While I do view religion as irrational and sometimes dangerous, I don’t have any desire to destroy anyone’s faith with a devastating argument. I know the personal comfort that religious beliefs bring–especially in times of emotional stress. Yes, it is better to face reality with a reasonable and sound perspective, but that won’t be something that can be imparted on someone five days away from open heart surgery. No, I’d rather let someone find their own way upstream if they aren’t hurting anyone with their beliefs. My brother preached and wailed at me for years but I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t until I desired to learn the other perspective that I began my journey.

People have to find their own way. They have to make their own mistakes–even if that means they pray to a never-seen deity.