Death: Different Views – Part 1e

And in as much as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (ASV).

Read more: Death: Different Views – Part 1e

In this series, we will explore the different views of death which varies significantly across cultures, religions and philosophical perspectives. The Christian view of death is that it is not the end – John 11:25. Spurgeon writes, “Death is the waiting-room where we robe ourselves for immortality.” In other words, death for the Christian is a temporary state, which the Bible refers to as sleep. Jesus says, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” Read John 11:11 (ESV). It is a ‘state from which the righteous will be awakened through resurrection.’ The Bible says, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Read Daniel 12:2.

The naturalist or materialists view about death is, the end of an individuals life. The naturalist rejects the existence of souls, spirits, or an afterlife, ‘affirming that consciousness arises from physical processes and ceases when those processes end.’ At the heart of the naturalistic or humanistic view is man! The naturalist believes that we are a one dimensional man – he lives, and dies, and that is the end, there is no transition.

The Pantheists view death not as an end, but as a ‘transformation and reintegration into the natural world.’ So, what is Pantheism? It is the belief that God and the universe are identical. Their view is because has no absolute end, death has no absolute end for humanity. The pantheist sees death as a continuation through nature – meaning, man is born, he dies, is buried and goes back to the dust of the earth to nourish nature.

The Hindus view death as part of samsara – a cycle of birth, death and rebirth. In the afterlife, they believe the soul Atman is reborn according to karma, until it accomplishes moksha – liberation from the cycle. The Hindus view death as transformational, and not an end. This view sees death as a continuity of life into a realm of spiritual freedom.

The Buddhist view of death is that there is no permanent self – anattā: no eternal or independent essence. In other words, ‘the stream of consciousness’ is continues, until nirvana – cessation of suffering and rebirth is accomplished. Buddhists believe that life continues after physical death through rebirth into one of six realms—heaven, human beings, Asura, hungry ghost, animal, or hell—based on accumulated karma from past actions. If you sow evil, you will reap a bad harvest, and if you sow kindness, you will reap a good harvest.

With all these views about death, one thing stands out clearly, that God Almighty who created Heaven and the earth will be the judge of His creation. While human beings may have differing interpretations or philosophies about death and what follows, the final authority rests with the Creator who knows all, sees all, and judges all. This conviction provides a moral and spiritual foundation that transcends human reasoning. It reminds us that life is not without accountability, and that beyond the limitations of earthly understanding lies a divine justice that is perfect, impartial, and eternal.

“Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven…” Read Matthew 6:9-10 KJV. Thank You, Lord, let Your will permeate the earth, and as Your people, may we be diligent to “hearken unto the voice of Your Word” in Christ name.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.