Is an afterlife really necessary?

"Leave room in your life for flexibility."

I am very grateful to be alive, and for me the fact that it is limited the accident of even more value. Knowing that the "spark" will only last so long ensures that it is appreciated and not squandered.

The following is only my opinion, this needs to be made clear because this article might ruffle some feathers. I am an agnostic and while I'm very glad that the world has diverse systems of belief, culture, with an ever-growing diversity it is problematic that some need to know there is an afterlife. From a very simple perspective, nothing else last forever why should the human race be any different.

When something has a limited span there is a tendency to appreciate it more, to pay more attention and indeed learn more from the experience. If the universe (God) said "You are life, but only for a short time." I wonder how that would've changed the world? I don't think the human race would see it is a limiting factor, I think perhaps we might have a tendency to make the most out of what we have. We would still have many issues, but we would have a different perspective for sure. The concept of an afterlife turns the world into an introductory course, because you know the real one comes next, the one that really matters. This can put physical humanity into kind of a throwaway realm. That is a real disservice to all that this world is which is: "A tremendous opportunity to discover and do good." (The reader can make up their own minds as to what the values in that phrase to them.)

Humanity would be better served if we didn't expect an afterlife, but if there is one thing that will be a gift. We can still ponder the many mysteries and ideas out there. But globally for the earth today I don't think we should hang our hat on the idea of an afterlife.

Take care, let me know what you think Patrick