Immortality Flashcards
What are problems with scripture?
- People who are not religious reject this.
- Ideas contradict each other.
- There is a lack of detail leading to poor interpretation.
- Lack of scientific knowledge during the time this was written.
What is the idea of rebirth?
This is the continuation of a conscience. Karma will create a good life, or a bad life, due to the laws of karma. While each life is different, we all come from the original source, making rebirth comparable to flames. The ultimate goal is to escape suffering and enter the nibanna.
What do Hindus believe about life after death?
Good dharma creates good karma. The atman exists in the samsara and enters new bodies through the transmigration of souls. The supreme goal is to be one with the Supreme Reality - Brahman.
What’s the problem with reincarnation?
The person does not have the same memories. Therefore, they are not the same person and this is not surviving death.
How do Hindus counter these problems?
They argue that we exist in a life cycle, the goal is to escape this and to lose identity so we can be one with God.
What do people believe about resurrection and the continuation of our identity?
Our soul continues, or we receive a new immortal body, and this contains our memories, to maintain our identity. Others would argue we are identified by our physical form, and that there is no evidence for the existence of a soul.
What are the issues with memory of past lives?
Some have been confirmed to be correct by historical records. One problem is that not all people who have been under hypnosis have had their memories confirmed as correct, they could be altered memories.
What is evidence for and against ghosts?
For - they are spiritual manifestations and they are seen by many so they are not hallucinations. They walk through walls, showing they are spiritual.
Against - This could be a trick of light, hallucinations, or a hoax from someone.
What is evidence for and against channelling?
For - The medium obtained information which was formerly unknown to them, they contact spirits.
Against - They can read body language and these have been proven to be hoaxes.
What is evidence for and against NDEs?
For - People across the world experience these and all report similar experiences of being drawn down a tunnel towards light. The experience is intense and people don’t want to leave.
Against - This is caused by low oxygen, creating hallucinations. People are not dead.
What do Christians argue about faith?
They argue that faith is all they need to understand about life after death.
Why do atheists accuse Christians of developing ideas of life after death?
Wishful thinking - they fear death and want a purpose to it.
