Hello guys, unfortunately we are faced witht eh challenge of believing in something that some of us are not sure exists. I think that some people believe in God and Afterlife as a security blanket. Also unfortunately I am a very logical thinker. When I think of NDEs or OBEs I fail to grasp them as moving into the spiritual realm. I dislike the fact that I do this, for some reason I believe that time is all a perception and can be viewed differently by different people at different times. For example you are at work, time goes by slow You are on vacation, time goes by fast Now the hopefully false belief I have is that when you experience an OBE or NDE your mind is basically creating an illusion based on what you have learned in life. The mind might percieve you being the for 2 hours, but in all actuallity it only occured in the milliseconds before you die. I sadly say I am agnostic, this really doesn't leave me with a good outlook on life after death. I just hope that someone can inform me of my mis thinkings and guide me in a more....pleaseant direction. It is funny, I wish I would believe in God, but for some reason I can't.

Another question that I seek guidance in is how may I attain an experience or piece of knowledge that will help me come to believe in God. I am extrememly frightened at this point in time.

Someone, please help me I really have had no 'spiritual' guidance and wish for some. I also would like to thank anyone willing to spend their time talking to a simple agnostic teenager.

Thanks tons,
Joe

Don't you find a disgusting feeling deep down in your mind that there isn't anything after life? Honestly people who believe blindly have it better in a way than we do. I mean if someone believes it blindly, then they really aren't believing they are just trusting, and for that i am grateful that I must actually form my own beliefs. I am just insanely scared that I won't find what I am looking for. When someone more knowledgable posts on the topic (no offense at all sven) what do you believe happens to people who stay agnostic their entire life, if there is an afterlife they must go somewhere too right? Also I was wondering about people who believe in reincarnation, I think that reincarnation is a very scary thought if you can't remember your past lives after you are dead because I really like the experiences I have had in this life, and I really would feel horrible if I had to forget them.

Thanks a lot and for the benefit of our quality of life I hope we do find some answer sven.

~what do you believe happens to people who stay agnostic their entire life, if there is an afterlife they must go somewhere too right?~

Agnostic, Athiest, Christian or Satanist, doesn't matter, there's the same afterlife for all of us.  What you do in this life doesn't change your afterlife local as much as your state of mind when you die. 

You might be thinking; If there's one afterlife, how can it be different for different people?  Same way this... current life is.  Say you wake up in one of the starving countries in africa, who are only allowed 2 gallons of water a week, that's brought in by a truck.  These peoples life sucks.  Now, imagine waking up in a fancy Hotel with room service at your fingertips, cable TV, and a beach view out your window.

I can't really help you though, as I'm a complete noob as well.  I'm just repeating what I've heard.

Hey joe, I truly feel for you because I think that we have all been there with regards to questioning one's belief system... It's not fun, but it is part of our growth as souls venturing into the unknowns of itself as a whole/as God. Like Bruce said, belief system crashes can lead to an identity crisis because we as humans identify ourselves by our strongly held beliefs... So, it can be painful at times. I would highly recommend doing exactly what you're doing and keep researching different areas of the afterlife that pique your curiosity. After all, we are "all" probes of curiosity sent out via the Source/God to do just that... be curious. So, with regards to that, you are on the right track. Just stick with it. The journey can take literally a life time. Be patient. As long as you hang on to your curiosity, it will eventually lead you to the ultimate truth; that which resonates with you. Remember, confusion is the way to enlightenment. Strange, but true. Hold on to that which resonates/rings true to you, and you should be just fine. Also, always allow your belief system room to grow. Be open minded, and expect anything with regards to the reality that you find yourself in. After all you are "here" aren't you? -- Standing on a ball, floating out in the middle of space, revolving around the sun... makes one wonder, doesn't it...? It truly is a *magical* place if you allow yourself to see past all of the negative things in life. That's where a lot of the stumbling blocks come from with regards to one's belief system. However, don't let the negative overwhelm the positive. And don't let other people's thoughts/beliefs carry your own... Believe in things based on your own personal experience and feelings of resonation, and incorporate all of these notions into your "always evolving" belief system. It's a long journey... but, it's well worth it. We are forever molding ourselves into that which we wish to be... We are co-creators designing the best realities possible, so that we may constantly grow and thoroughly enjoy "all that is". So, have fun, smell the roses, go to the beach every now and again, spend some time with a loved one/friend; in  doing such simple activities one is discovering oneself and growing towards the infinite possibilities of what uconditional love truly is/means.  God is all of this... You are all of this...

Also, with regards to your/our lifetime journey of gaining spiritual understanding/enlightenment, here are a few references that I have found useful towards spiritual growth/understanding:

(Reprint from previous thread):   

You may find it useful to do some independent research regarding texts/websites/forums (such as this), regarding afterlife experiences/explorations. Then, as Bruce has put it... filter through the information and integrate into your own belief system that which resonates with you (feels right)... Also, as Bruce has put, nobody can force beliefs onto you or anyone else... you must experience things for yourself in order to fully understand/integrate them into your own belief system. Hence, Bruce has lovingly paved a road for those willing to take the journey by explaining to them ways in which they themselves can explore the afterlife/astral planes, and gather information for themselves... I do highly suggest you do some immense independent research regarding this often times, complex and sometimes difficult topic regarding the afterlife. Here's some study material that I've found personally useful regarding my own research: 

1.) Bruce Moen's collection of "Afterlife Journey" books/tapes/workshops...

2.) Robert Monroe's books regarding the afterlife...

3.) "Any" independent "authentic" books regarding the afterlife...

4.) Websites that pertain to the questions you pose, including, but not limited to: "www.nderf.org"... "www.near-death.com" ... "www.astralpulse.com", & all of the sites that Kyo has so kindly posted regarding the information you so desperately seek (located under the "personalities" topic in this discussion forum)...

5.) And "much" "much" more...

(What better way to find out information about the afterlife, than from those who have been there)... and remember, hold beliefs in that which resonates with you, and you alone!

Have fun, and enjoy a little life along the way! 
PUL,
Cosmic_Ambitions

We all have Belief Systems,  all of us,  that’s why we’re here.

My guess is that, at the very least, you believe that:

1.You are alive
2.You are here (on Earth)

You probably believe several other things as well.  That (for starters) is your Belief System.  All Belief Systems are equally valid.  The challenge is to determine if your Belief System is taking you where you want to go; and if not, to change it.

This is one of the reasons for this life.

At least that’s my opinion.

~what do you believe happens to people who stay agnostic their entire life, if there is an afterlife they must go somewhere too right?~


I've always been a bit bemused when this question comes up, since it has absolutely nothing to do with believing in an afterlife.  You could be an iron-clad, 100% atheist and still completely believe in an afterlife, it's not an either/or issue.  And yet every time in RL I mention not being the standard (around here) denomination, forget just "believe in a god", I get asked don't I think we go to heaven (or where ever) after death.  Huh?

Hi Joe Joe,

I can hear in your voice here that you know you are on the right path.  Meditation is easy.  You can take a very simple object such as a candle or a beautiful piece of inspirational art or a picture of a natural area and simply focus on it for a period of time.  That is meditation. It is very simple. 

You can also purchase meditational aids such as cds of many different kinds.  You can join a group which does meditation together and enjoy the powerful group energy there.  There are so many ways. 

The silence you are trying to imagine always exists in the core of your being and you are simply becoming interested in accessing this knowledge which you already possess. 

This will give you strength in your chosen field and you intuitively know that you desire and need this connection with your greater Self.  Congratulations and best wishes on your search.  The journey is an amazing and quite wonderful one.

When you begin to look for signs of the afterlife you will find them.  Where you look for peace, for love, you will find them.  All life is a reflection of your inner state of being.  It appears that the afterlife will be this way when we cross over.  How very lucky you are to recognize what a great and vast path you are on.

love, blink

Hey joe

Im 18 too and I  recently realized i was gonna die and all that stuff you kno i was frightened. I kno how you feel about believing god cause i would think i do believe in him but is he really something that im believing him for u kno. well hun dont worry we are all going 2 go though death sooner or later and will just have 2 accept it and what ever happens in the afterlife  it will be ok. are soul lives on so dont worry hunni

Ashley