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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robingoodfellow · M

In other words " if you're going to see them in heaven what are you crying about?"
This is just poking Christians with a stick.
And I'm a non Christian who's exhausted by Christian pontificating.

Pikachu

@robingoodfellow

No, it's a genuine question because as an Atheist it seems to me that believing you will be reunited would be such a comfort that i can't imagine being as upset by what is apparently a temporary separation as i would by by a permanent one.

robingoodfellow · M

@Pikachu sadness over separation is a basic human emotion. This is something we all have in common and all can relate to. Doesn't matter if you're Christian or atheist or whatever your philosophy.
You have to know this. Again, I'm not Christian and I don't really expect to meet up with people I love after death. Yet I don't have to wonder why Christians grieve.

I understand the value of the science vs. faith debate. But the number of these debates you start here makes it seem like you have an agenda to make Christians question their faith, or at least point out it doesn't make sense when you hold it up to scrutiny.
It feels like trolling.

Here I am defending the Christian community.
That doesn't happen too often 😶

Pikachu

@robingoodfellow

I know it's natural to grieve a loss. I guess it just seems to me that to the Christian it's not the same kind of loss because they believe it's temporary.

an agenda to make Christians question their faith

I don't think the topics i discuss would cause the majority of Christians to question their faith since, as you recognize, my posts often focus on anti-scientific fringe interpretations of the Bible. I rarely even address any argument regarding the existence or non-existence of god.
But in general i just find the debate enjoyable.
And that's the one and only time i'll defend my motivations to you. You're welcome😉