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Why do Christians grieve so when a loved one dies? Do they grieve as much as an atheist? They'll be reunited with them in paradise so why so sad?

Surely it would just be the sadness of a loved one moving away or something right?

I don't mean this antagonistically and i apologize if this is insensitive. I'm just curious because it seems given the worldview that a Christian shouldn't be terribly upset when a family member dies.
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ArishMell · 70-79, M
I think you've missed the whole concept of bereavement and loss, which cuts across all faiths and none.

You've also fallen into the common Similar Worlds trap of dividing the world into "Christians" and "Atheists" as if no other beliefs exist.

Religious faith may make the loss easier to bear and reduce the fear of death; and that seems to have been a central motive for most religions existing and extinct since, probably, Palaeolithic times. Non-believers find their way by accepting the natural process without needing a theist support.

Neither approach is right or wrong except to the bereft individual, and neither approach can remove the pain of the permanent loss. It simply makes it easier to accept.
@ArishMell

dividing the world into "Christians" and "Atheists" as if no other beliefs exist.

No, i'm just talking about atheists and Christians. I've chosen two categories, that doesn't mean i'm not aware that others exist lol

and neither approach can remove the pain of the permanent loss

And i wonder why that is given that under the Christian worldview the loss is not permanent.
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@Pikachu It's a very different form of togetherness, and bereavement seems to be instinctive whereas religious belief is a matter of chosen opinion.

The idea of being re-united in some spiritual afterlife is also very uncertain and undefined because whilst one might believe it happens no-one has any idea what it really means.
@ArishMell

So do you think someone who is truly strong in their faith wouldn't grieve over the loss of a loved one?
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@Pikachu Just the opposite. They would grieve; but their faith may provide them with at least some psychological support and a way of saying farewell.
@ArishMell

Well that's what i think