Thanks.
The experience of losing someone does help me understand why some would want to believe that there is more than just this life.
I agree. However, as an agnostic Christian I find that either way you look at it it's a good thing. See, if there really isn't any afterlife at all, then they're at peace. If we reincarnate, then they might be that newborn you pass by. If there is an afterlife with a just God, as opposed to a narrowminded one, then the vast majority of people worth missing will find themselves in Heaven, Nirvana, or whatever the individual choses to call it.
That isn't possible for me but I am reluctant to take it away from others.
Same thing here; as someone who people know is going to be a pastor I get confronted with this a lot. I have a little doubt about an afterlife at times, but I can't bring it up when I listen to 8 year olds telling a story about a parent or good friend dying, and then saying they'll see them again. Some people do need that to cope, and that's why I can't take that assurance away.
"There are times when logic must give way to humanity" -Max Brooks, in a book mostly intended for comedy, but that lines rings true about this subject.
Anyway, sorry to pull that into discussion. Maybe this topic is a little serious for this forum?
Wanna feel God? Step onto the wrestling mat and you'd be crazy to deny the uplifting spirit.
http://www.BadPreacher.5u.com (incomplete, but look anyway!)