Function of afterlife

Religion and theology Throughout entire humanity history, some regions believe in life after death and it has continuedto persist from generations to generations. Religions that believe in afterlife in human history and in global societies have continued to teach their followers to develop strong faith in believing that afterlife exists. This is an effort to give meaning and shine more light to this whole idea of afterlife though it seems to be a mystery and has persevered from millennia to millennia (Srivastava). These persistent human beliefs in afterlife may trigger some expectations that may perhaps account to peculiar religious rituals in which at first thought to be due to psychological disorders. Certain Theorists’ hypotheses contend it is invaluable for any given individual to envisage what will come to existence in neither world after the conclusion of this physical and mortal existence. Therefore, all believers tend to hold onto that afterlife beliefs characterize carry-over process of life after death. Consequently, this is a notion by religions meant to literally to do away with fear as there is no adequate and concrete stand regarding what happens when one ceases to exist. Theorists have continued to ponder about the question, “ If indeed there is afterlife one’s demise and whether God in reality exist (Srivastava)?
However, religious beliefs functioning in the minds of their believers is that they tend to hold onto there is the hereafter in heaven that offers consolation and solace to the currently human troubled spirit (Van Tongeren, Daryl, Joshua & Don 229).
Lutheran being an example of religion that holds onto the notion about afterlife deem when one dies his or her spirit’s destiny is either in heaven or hell (Hummel 78). However, Lutherans do attach more to “ God’s grace”, which is a vital aspect that will prompt one to be in heaven. According to them and contrary to other Christian religions, humanity has no power meant to influence his or her afterlife destiny. This is either through good or bad deeds, which as per other religions are key considerations. Therefore, Lutheran’s hope of going to heaven encompasses believing and accepting the Christ simply referred as “ Faith alone”. Afterlife to Lutherans encompasses each going either to hell or heaven but not as deemed by Catholics that there is a purgatory.
Therefore, based in that, people with hopes there is a place after the conclusion of this life that will be of value to them in terms of comfort (Van Tongeren, Daryl, Joshua & Don 227). However, they cannot prove but only believe as held by their respective religions though they differ in expounding their destinations whereby some contend people reappear again in other forms based in their current acts.
In conclusion, it is therefore easy to say that religions play a major role in human society though it also depends on the society for its survival. From this point of view, I think that religion offers answers to religious beliefs and mysteries besides defining the religious world and supernatural being at the same time shedding more light if afterlife exists.
Work cited
Hummel Leonard M. Clothed in Nothingness: Consolation for Suffering. Fortress Press Publisher. n. d. Print.
Srivastava Vatsalya. ResearchGate,. Functional Aspects Of Religion: Role Of The Afterlife In Enforcing Social Contracts. 2014. Web. 22 May. 2014.
Srivastava, Vatsalya. Functional Aspects Of Religion: Role Of The Afterlife In Enforcing Social Contracts. Papers. ssrn. com. 2011. Web. 22 May. 2014.
Van Tongeren, Daryl R., Joshua N. Hook & Don E. Davis. ” Defensive Religion as a Source of Meaning in Life: A Dual Mediational Model.” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality 5. 3 (2013): 227-32. ProQuest. 24 May 2014.