What Happens Guide

Trying to understand what happens when someone dies will never be easy. There are many theories and opinions as to what is happening, and what takes place afterwards.

The End of Existence

The contention of many scientists is that when a person dies, it is the end of existence. The consciousness ceases to exist. Consciousness here is defined as the “I”. It is true that everything is made of energy and energy cannot be destroyed.

However, that doesn’t mean consciousness continues. Based on this theory, when the organs of the body cease to work, existence is over. From the scientific point of view, there is no soul or spirit; life ends the moment the physical body expires.

Religious Views on Death

The majority of religions believe that what happens when someone dies is the soul residing in the body is released. In Christian theology, a person that lives according to the principles set by Christ will ascend to Heaven.

Those who live wicked lives will be sent to Hell. The idea of a soul or that people go on after death, is reflected in other religions too. The concept of rewards and punishment in the afterlife can also be seen in other religions and philosophies.

People are Born Again

Hindus and Buddhists believe there is a soul. At the moment of death however, the spirit does not go to Heaven or Hell. Instead the soul will be born again into a new body. The circumstances surrounding its rebirth will depend on its karma.

In this philosophy, what happens when someone dies is entirely dependent on their karma. If their karma is positive (i.e., they did good things during their lifetime), they can be reborn under more comfortable situations.

If they have negative karma, they will experience difficulties in the next life and make amends to the people they wronged. When the karma is balanced, the soul will no longer have to reincarnate. The soul experiences a state known as Nirvana.

What is the Near Death Experience?

People who have had near death experiences believe there is life after death. These people often recount going through a dark tunnel and emerging in a place full of light and love. Usually they undergo a review of their life. Their purpose for living is explained and afterwards they are told they have to return to their body.

Scientists still doubt these are really accounts of what happens when someone dies. Their notion is that a person cannot come back from the dead; the person who underwent a near death experience did not die and is just seeing the actions of an injured brain.

Other Theories to Consider

There are many other theories. Some believe the consciousness does expire after death, but the individual ends up being one with God. There are also those who attest souls of the departed stay and watch over their loved ones still living.

Because death is a part of life, this subject will never be far away from the mind of man. The question of what happens when someone dies is something that most people have and will always contemplate.

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