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Feb 20, 2024
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Uploaded by ColonelSnakePerson479
Suffering and Grief
Kelsey Parker
Grand Canyon University
HLT-302
Dr Myrna
ThurmondMalone
December 23, 2023
Religion is a multi-dimensional and intricate phenomenon that
involves various aspects. It varies from person to person and is
influenced by multiple factors. The beliefs and values of each nation
are unique, and no matter which religion is practiced, there is
usually a sense of calmness and tranquility. The non-religious group
of atheists, on the other hand, rejects the existence of a divine
being, and in the US, about 26 percent of people identify as atheists
(What Is Atheism? - American Atheists, n.d). In this essay, we delve
into atheists' grieving process, behaviors, and viewpoints toward
suffering. We explore how atheists cope with loss and how their
beliefs influence emotional responses. Additionally, we examine the
similarities between atheism and Christianity, two seemingly distinct
belief systems that share more commonalities than one might
expect.
Atheists offer a distinct perspective on suffering and death.
They view suffering as a fundamental part of the human experience
and an inevitable aspect of life. Rather than fearing death, they face
it resiliently and do not associate it with misery. They find comfort in
knowing death is a natural part of the existence cycle. Honesty
ranks high among the core values that atheists hold dear. They
believe being truthful with oneself and others is essential for a
fulfilling life. They take pride in their achievements and the values
that they cherish. Atheists believe that their actions and beliefs
define them, not any particular religion or beliefs. Though they
reject the notion of a higher power, atheists still seek acceptance
and understanding from others. They recognize that they are part of
a larger community and desire to be treated with respect and
dignity. As "nonbelievers," they disregard supernatural explanations
for illness and only consider natural causes. They have faith in
science and reason to explain the mysteries of the universe and to
find solutions to humanity's problems.
Atheists approach suffering and death through three different
strategies, each with its unique characteristics. The first strategy
involves sharing tales that capture the essence of the departed
person's life to honor their memory. By sharing stories about the
person, they can keep their memory alive and share their life
experiences with others. The second strategy is to preserve the
most important things to the deceased person, such as their
personal belongings or cherished mementos. This is done to honor
their legacy and keep their memory alive. Finally, atheists
acknowledge that life is cyclical and that death is a natural part of
the life cycle. They believe that the remains of the deceased bless
the earth and are, therefore, not to be feared. Instead, they are a
reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance
of cherishing and respecting the natural world. Overall, these
strategies help atheists cope with the loss of loved ones and find
meaning in suffering. By preserving memories and acknowledging
the cyclical nature of life and death, they can find solace and
comfort in the face of loss. When faced with suffering and death,
atheists have developed three unique strategies to cope. The first is
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to honor the departed by sharing stories that capture the essence of
their life. Doing so keeps their memory alive and allows others to
learn from their experiences. The second strategy involves
preserving the deceased's most essential belongings and
mementos, thus honoring their legacy. Finally, atheists view death
as a natural part of the life cycle and believe that the remains of the
deceased bless the earth. This helps them to find comfort in the
interconnections of all things and to respect the natural world.
Overall, these coping strategies help atheists find meaning in loss
and solace in the face of suffering.
When an individual who does not believe in any deities passes
away, it is customary for their loved ones to share anecdotes about
how the individual impacted their lives, as opposed to offering
condolences. Despite their lack of religious beliefs, atheists
demonstrate their respect for the deceased by attending religious
rituals, providing meals, and commemorating cherished memories.
For atheists, showing respect for the deceased is a crucial part of
the grieving process, often entailing simply offering a listening ear
or a comforting presence. Atheists believe in treating everyone
equally and do not discriminate based on religious beliefs.
(Kuriakose, 2013)
Many Christians believe in entrusting their burdens to God
during difficult times and letting go of them. They also believe in
their resurrection as they have faith in the resurrection of Jesus.
Both Christians and atheists experience the same stages of grief,
including denial, anger, bargaining, melancholy, and acceptance.
However, their perspectives on suffering differ; Christians view it as
a consequence of sin, whereas atheists see it as an inherent part of
life. Christian funerals often involve prayers and condolences, with
the hope of finding comfort in God's presence. On the other hand,
atheists tend to celebrate the life of the deceased and provide
practical guidance. In times of hardship, they do not seek solace in
spiritual beings but instead focus on tangible aspects of life.
Ultimately, the grieving process is a deeply personal
experience that manifests in various coping mechanisms unique to
each individual. For example, those who identify as atheists may
gravitate towards alternative forms of distraction and avoid religious
or spiritual influences. At the same time, Christians may seek
comfort in religious texts and rituals during distress. Additionally,
atheists may choose to honor the memory of their loved one by
revisiting cherished moments shared. Despite these differences, the
mourning process remains a constant among diverse faiths and
cultures, highlighting the universal nature of human emotions.
References
What is Atheism? - American Atheists. (n.d.). American Atheists; https://www.atheists.org/activism/resources/about-atheism/
Atheism and Grief: Coping with Loss | Une Belle Vie Cremation Blog. (2011, May 12). UneBelle Vie Cremation Blog. https://decorative-
urns.com/cremation-blog/managing-grief/atheism-and-grief-coping-
with-loss/
Kuriakose, D. (2013, September 26). Atheists on grieving: ’I offer time and tea. The Guardian;The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/26/atheist-
grieving
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