>>>>One last question: are you afraid to die?
>>>
>>>I try not to think about it.
>>
>>I asked you that question because if you are afraid, then it's a fact that there is a force within you that you want to live, and there must be a reason why?
>
>It has always intrigued me as to why so many people with strong religious convictions, including a belief in a caring God & the concept of heaven, so often seem to be the ones who are afraid of death. If they, or their loved ones, are going to a better place than where we live now, surely death shouldn't be so bad & funerals should be happy occasions.


That's a good question, Len. I've made the same observation myself. Those who are more legalistic seem to have a greater fear of death, or are afraid of dying. When you have to keep rules in order to be saved it becomes a no-win situation, and deep down inside they feel like they can't live a perfect life. They are right.


>
>As for me, there's so much I want to do, I don't want to die just yet, but I am not afraid of dying, to some extent I look forward to it, especially after some of the discussions on UT - it's going to be the only way for sure of finding out whether Doug is right.

Well, at 61 (just a week ago today!) there is more of the tunnel behind me than ahead of me. My body doesn't work as well as it used to and my mind.... I can't remember how my mind used to work so I don't know if it is better or worse, but I suspect it is worse if my body is any indication. Like you, I have so much more I want to do - watch my new grandsons grow up, enjoy retirement with my wife, etc... I don't look forward to dying, but I do look forward to living. But, all of us are only a heart-beat away from knowing, as apposed to believing.