"Oh Death, Where is Thy Sting? Oh Grave, Where is Thy Victory?"
Those familiar with the King James Version of the Christian Bible may recognize the title of this blog post as a quote from 1st. Corinthians chapter 15, versus 55 through 57. Before those who happen to know that I am an Atheist ask why I would read the Bible, I will provide the answer. I read the entire Bible because I believe that, before anyone decides what it is that they choose to believe or not believe, they should first perform, at the very least, a cursory investigation into what it is they profess to believe or disbelieve. Rather than wonder why a non-believer like myself has read the Bible from cover to cover, one should wonder why many of those who profess to believe that this book is Divinely inspired by God have not.
That said; allow me to address the issue inspired by the inquiries quoted in the title.
I am 69-years-old. Many of my friends, relatives and acquaintances are approximately the same age. A lot of them are now preoccupied with the realization that they will probably die within the next couple of decades. That is their prerogative. What bothers me is the fact that they are no fun anymore. They seldom accept an invitation to join me for a night on the town, double date or a spontaneous road trip. When we do get together, their side of the conversation is focused primarily upon the results of their most recent doctor's visit and the prescription medications they are taking. A few of them actually seem to be competing with each other to see who can visit the doctor more often or take the most pills.
I personally believe that, when I die, I will simply cease to exist and my molecules will scatter to become the building blocks of other animate and inanimate objects. Until that time comes, I refuse to stop living just because I am dying. After all, aren't we all?
That said; allow me to address the issue inspired by the inquiries quoted in the title.
I am 69-years-old. Many of my friends, relatives and acquaintances are approximately the same age. A lot of them are now preoccupied with the realization that they will probably die within the next couple of decades. That is their prerogative. What bothers me is the fact that they are no fun anymore. They seldom accept an invitation to join me for a night on the town, double date or a spontaneous road trip. When we do get together, their side of the conversation is focused primarily upon the results of their most recent doctor's visit and the prescription medications they are taking. A few of them actually seem to be competing with each other to see who can visit the doctor more often or take the most pills.
I personally believe that, when I die, I will simply cease to exist and my molecules will scatter to become the building blocks of other animate and inanimate objects. Until that time comes, I refuse to stop living just because I am dying. After all, aren't we all?
date
newest »
newest »
Mike wrote: "I agree with this. I am 59 and am becoming more conscious of the fact that at some point I shall have to leave the party. But until the cab arrives at the door, it's still party time.I too accept..."
Mike,
I like your style! If there were a heaven and hell, I would agree 100% with Mr. Wade's sound advice.
I have been criticized by friends, acquaintances and relatives quite often in the past for my belief, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say non-belief. I never let it bother me and refuse to ever debate religion, politics or others' lifestyle choices. The only thing that does bother me is the fact that, if I am wrong, I and everyone else will know that I was wrong. However, if I am right, no one, including me, will ever know that I was right.
Thank you very much for taking the time to view the blog post and commenting.
Jim Vuksic
I just turned 67, and have been disabled for almost 28 of those years - and I still am interested in doing everything that I can.It may take a bit more patience - and I won't be able to do as many as some people, but I am a recent past president of the Princeton Folk Music Society, and I write every day.
We are heading soon for Cancun, and looking for an active retirement community where we'll have lots of things to do (as soon as our youngest is settled).
I read The Economist and Science News. And fiction, of course.
I'm hard at work remodeling my spine so I can walk properly again.
As long as the lights are on, I hope I'm still at the party.
Alicia wrote: "I just turned 67, and have been disabled for almost 28 of those years - and I still am interested in doing everything that I can.It may take a bit more patience - and I won't be able to do as man..."
Alicia,
Your determination and refusal to allow your physical restraints to prevent you from experiencing an active and challenging lifestyle are admirable. Few are able to lay claim to as many professional, literary, and world travel achievements as you may.
Thank you for remaining a loyal follower of the blog and, once again, contributing to the conversation.
Jim Vuksic
It's work - but the alternative is vegetating.Not yet!
Regardless or our beliefs - no one knows for sure what happens after death. The attempts by so many to become immortal - pills, doctors, therapists, beauty treatments, surgical restoration, and competitive hypochondria - reek of preoccupation with a human and frail body. The human body is going to die and slowly decay into dust. What about the mind, the consciousness, and the creativity. Stagnating in the religious concepts of afterlife indefinitely just doesn't make sense to me. I believe in the science of pure energy - energy cannot be destroyed - only transformed. We are energy. Personally I prefer to live each day finding new ways to think and thrive, learn, build, and grow. When I become little more than a blip in this immense universe, I want to be a positive and ready to transition as needed.
Christine wrote: "Regardless or our beliefs - no one knows for sure what happens after death. The attempts by so many to become immortal - pills, doctors, therapists, beauty treatments, surgical restoration, and com..."Christine,
I like and agree with your personal philosophy. I personally believe that medical science and many people are obsessed with keeping human beings alive much longer than nature intended. It reaches a stage in which the person is merely existing, not living. We should do as much as we can for as long as we can and then let others have their turn.
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
Mae West (Actress) - 1893 - 1980
Thank you for continuing to follow the blog and, once again, taking the time to offer your always welcome and interesting opinion.
Jim Vuksic
Wise words Jim. I'm 67 and entering the wrinkly stage. I have studied the Bible and still come out as an atheist after years as a Catholic. May our molecules meet in the Milky Way.
Michael wrote: "Wise words Jim. I'm 67 and entering the wrinkly stage. I have studied the Bible and still come out as an atheist after years as a Catholic. May our molecules meet in the Milky Way."Michael,
Although I encourage and appreciate differing opinions, philosophies and viewpoints, it is nice and reassuring to have someone like yourself agree with me occasionally.
I appreciate your many responses and comments to the blog posts and look forward to receiving more in the future.
Jim Vuksic
I too accept that, when the cab does arrive, I shall probably just cease to exist. However, as an agnostic rather than an atheist, I am not quite so sure. So I am forced to consider Benjamin Franklin Wade's advice that one should go to heaven for the climate, but hell for the company. Decisions, decisions...