books on the "afterlife" (whatever it may be)
I was telling my boyfriend that sometimes I feel like there's no point in 'living life to the fullest' and doing everything you'd like to (as in traveling the world or reading a multitude of books, etc) because one day I'll just be dead and won't remember any of it or be wishing that I had done this and that.
He thinks that after we die, there is no place like heaven or hell where we basically continue living like we do now, but that there's some sort of existance (didn't have time to get into details, but I guess he means like energy or something).
As for me I was raised Christian but through my own interest I learned about evolution (more in depth than just about us coming from apes) and I believe in these facts...there is proof. However I still find myself wishing there was more after death, I mean it's kinda depressing that I'm going to die and that's that. I guess I'm still sort of attached to my upbringing...maybe I still want to believe in something?
Anyway since I'm going through a thirst for knowledge phase, I was hoping to find books to read that would broaden my mind to other ideas, possibilities, theories...I don't care if it's religious, or scientific, I just want to learn more...maybe help me figure out what I really believe (right now it's just sort of black and white, evolution vs. creation).
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that any books that you find on any sort of "afterlife" will be religious. Science cannot really do any investigating or anything into the afterlife, so I would say it is highly unlikely you will find any scientific books on the subject.
That being said, you could check out what other religions say about the afterlife. There are so many, I would just pick one and see what they say.
While I have no real beliefs regarding the subject, I do think reincarnation would be nice...it actually gives people a chance to improve themselves.
Two that immediately pop into my head (though they don't really delve into the afterlife)
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
They both changed my perspective on things a bit. Especially Ishmael. Such obvious statements made, yet so profound.
Isn't living your life to the fullest and traveling/seeing the world for enjoying your life now, not because you 'may remember' it in the afterlife?
Original Post by vicereine:
However I still find myself wishing there was more after death, I mean it's kinda depressing that I'm going to die and that's that.
It's interesting that you see it this way. IMO, that belief inherently makes this existence, this life, all the more valuable and meaningful. It means that you NEED to make the most of this life, and would only be depressing (again, IMO) if you somehow feel that you haven't. If that's the case - then GET STARTED.
Our existence, even if finite, is much more meaningful than most people realize, even if it's without religious belief. As Carl Sagan noted, "We are star stuff", we are on an awesome journey back to our origins.
He wrote many books, but one of the best I've read on putting our place in the universe in a secular perspective is "Pale Blue Dot", and another about how there is reason and hope within the realm of science is "Science as a Candle in the Dark."
The Seth books by Jane Roberts are an interesting take on things. The first book, Seth Speaks, is kind of a hard read. The books get easier to read after that.
I'd also recommend the "Conversations with God" series by Neale Donald Walsch. It gives a whole different outlook from someone who believes in God but doesn't know what they believe and doesn't agree with the established religions.
Check out The Purpose Driven Life (2002) by Rick Warren
if fiction fits the bill, the five people you meet in heaven by mitch albom. it's trite, predictable, and preachy, but lots of people like it.
I think about this same thing constantly. Try reading the bible with Strong's translator.... there is so much in the bible that is misinterpreted because it was written in the ancient Greek and Hebrew mindset.... for instance, when i say "you're so cool" i dont mean you're 38 degrees fahrenheit, and there are tons of misinterpretations like that in the bible.... i know it has helped my views on life and religion tremendously.
Take some advice from Thomas Jefferson:
"Shake off all the fears and servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, that that of blindfolded fear. ... But those facts in the Bible which contradict the laws of nature, must be examined with more care, and under a variety of faces. .... Do not be frightened from this inquiry by any fear of its consequences. If it ends in a belief that there is no God, you will find incitements to virtue in the comfort and pleasantness you feel in its exercise, and the love of others which it will procure you. If you find reason to believe ther is a God, a consciousness that you are acting under his eye, and that he approves you, will be a vast additional incitement; .... Your own reason is the only oracle given you by heaven, and you are answerable, not for the rightness, but uprightness of the decision."
- Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Peter Carr (8/10/1787)
Then consider Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand. Read Atlas Shrugged and "Objectivism, The Philosophy of Ayn Rand"
"Here is a core belief of the real American religion: the idea that life on earth is good and should be cherished and enjoyed. The idea that an individual human life is sacred, irreplaceable, and that an individual life belongs solely to the person living it and that no one--no group, no government, no collective--not even God--owns that life or has any claim on any aspect of that life."
I love Thomas Jefferson. If I could time travel and meet and talk to one person it would be him.
I love Thomas Jefferson. If I could time travel and meet and talk to one person it would be him.
I love Thomas Jefferson so much that I'm going to leave this double post.
Find something from Ancient Egypt. It'll make him want to get a really good job (though he'll end up saving 95% of his income) to take it with him to the "afterlife".
You can also just be honest with him and tell him the truth.. there is no proven afterlife, but a religious belief system that will never be able to be proven.
I'm not sure if this is going to be what you're looking for...
I like reading about new theories in science that attempt to explain how the universe came to be and what else could be out there. They're not as much about the afterlife, but they will most definitely open your mind. They make you think about the bigger picture.
These books are all about theoretical physics, but you might find them interesting.
The Mind of God, by Paul Davis
Hyperspace, by Michio Kaku
Parallel Worlds, by Michio Kaku
Michio Kaku is good at putting things into terms that are understandable to those that aren't swift with scientific lingo (such as myself). Plus, he always includes some amazing quotes from famous philosophers and scientists that really get you thinking.
For a slightly different spin on the religious perspective, try
Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach. She has a humorous, readable style that incorporates evidence and scientific speculation to the question of the afterlife. Interesting.
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