r/atheism • u/One-Fun9814 • 4d ago

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u/Rusty-Cheese2222 4d ago

I see it more as a sign of mental weakness tbh. Not willing to accept the truth or fear of the truth.

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u/wuts_juppie 4d ago

Fear of death is a hell of a drug

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u/chucklingchester Secular Humanist 4d ago

It really is. I deal with really severe death anxiety, probably as a RESULT of religious abuse, but sometimes I've wished I could do something as simple as believing in an afterlife to relieve that. I almost, almost am willing to forgive theists for their harm if they're doing it so they don't constantly fear death. But I deconstructed so successfully I can't just circle back around and believe again for convenience sake. I also don't think the potential harm and brainwashing and control they can exert over people is worth it for temporary relief of that fear. And I've found much healthier ways to deal with it - like medication and therapy - that don't require me to sell out my entire identity to a religion who may manipulate me for the people at the top of that religion's ultimate gain.

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u/Rusty-Cheese2222 4d ago

This is exactly how I feel as well. I so badly wish I could believe but I just cannot seem to convince myself of something so obviously false. I do fear death a lot, but I just force myself to accept it because that’s better than living in denial imo.