Do You Believe In Eternal Life?
Several hundred physicians on Sermo recently discussed their thoughts and beliefs about the human afterlife. 44 physicians responded that they categorically do not believe in an afterlife, while over 200 who responded that they whole-heartedly believe in one. Click below to scroll through the hundreds of physician comments and see the results of the survey.
Originally Posted to the Sermo Community
By: Wonposet, Pediatrics
Carlos Eire's recent book, "A Very Brief History of Eternity," raises the eternal question as to whether God exists outside time or is indivisible and everlasting. He begins this book by emphatically stating that every trace of our life will someday disappear forever.
Some say life after death does not exist but is programmed into us to help perpetuate our species and allow us to function even after we realize our mortality.
François-Marie Arouet, better known by his nom de plume, Voltaire,wrote, "Si Dieu n'existait pas, il faudrait l'inventer." He understood the practical benefits of a generalized belief that the wrongdoings of humankind would be punished in an afterlife, the fear of which could get people to behave.
Even amongst Christians who believe that salvation and eternal life are rewards for faith as opposed to works, there is an underlying appreciation of the benefits of living a righteous life and doing good deeds and the feeling that charity can overcome a multitude of sins.
The early Catholic Church recognized this when it invented Purgatory and at one time carefully calculated the time one would need to spend in it. One day on earth was considered to be equivalent to ten thousand years in Purgatory.
We physicians have a better education and more exposure to death and dying than many of our contemporaries.
How do you feel about eternal life?
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