Ethics and Religion Talk: Is Belief in an Afterlife Waning?

After studying the history of religion in the West I’ve concluded that several hundred years ago people were much more focused on the afterlife. It seems today that there is less concern about that and more emphasis on leading a moral, ethical and rewarding life now, just assuming that whatever is next will take care of itself, so to speak. I’d like to know if the clergy here agree with my assessment.

Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds:

“I have a deep and abiding faith in the afterlife doctrines contained in the Hindu Dharma. This conviction comes from not only the trust that comes from years of studying the scriptures and commentaries of our sages, but the results of scientific inquiry on behalf of academics, psychologists and skeptics. Not many know, but the University of Virginia’s medical school has an entire department dedicated to studies of reincarnation.

“All that said, it is something that I rarely think about. It is rare to find Hindus discussing or obsessing about their past lives. Quite frankly, I judge the maturity (immaturity) of a religion or denomination by their focus on afterlife. While having an optimistic view of the future beyond our corporeal encasement can be very uplifting, too many are clutched by fear, disallowing one to live this life to its fullest.”

Imam Kip Curnutt, Director of Religious Education and Associate Imam of Masjid At-Tawheed in Grand Rapids, responds:

“I would agree with the assessment that concern with the afterlife has declined and that much of religious discourse now revolves around morality without as much emphasis on the otherworldly rewards for living a moral life. I personally tend to be suspicious of modern people's departure from the things that mankind had previously held as import for their spiritual lives. I tend to think that despite our technological advances mankind in the modern age is in spiritual decline. Maybe we could benefit from a renewed focus on some of the things that were so important for the religious lives of our predecessors.”

The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds:

“I think many people are still concerned and focused on the afterlife to some degree. That being said, Unitarian Universalism is a faith with more emphasis on leading a moral, ethical, and rewarding life. We are more about how we are in relationship with other people, our community, and our world. We believe in creating heaven here on earth, which would be a world that is equitable, just and kind to all.”

Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds:

“The premise of this question is troublesome. Several hundred years ago, life was more difficult. Medicine had not developed medications and treatments to prolong and maintain human life. Some illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer left little hope for survival. Pandemics meant certain death for many.

“Several hundred years ago, the world was still recovering from the Black Plague. This pandemic resulted in the death of between 75 and 200 million people worldwide. These experiences impact the focus on the afterlife. In contrast, COVID-19 has taken its toll on the world. Some believe that as many as 6.45 million people have died from this virus. Hunkered down to protect ourselves from contracting COVID, fear focused many on the afterlife again.

“For Christians, the focus is always on life eternal. Life-threatening moments provide an opportunity to re-evaluation our lives. We may then focus on the importance of human life and the goal of living in the Kingdom of God.”

Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds:

“Several hundred years ago human life was much shorter and more uncertain than it is today. Advances in public health and medical science have made it possible for many people to postpone indefinitely any thought of death or dying. As a result many come to the end of life with no real preparation for death, and only vague ideas of what will happen after death. The anti-supernaturalism of our culture encourages us to scoff at the very idea of heaven or hell, or the immortality of the soul. Popular fiction teaches us to expect to be given the wings of an angel, or spend eternity playing golf or tennis.

“In reality, every human being has a date with death no matter how long we live. The Lord Jesus Christ warns against the folly of absorbing yourself in the petty concerns of this life. He tells of ‘a certain rich man,’ a farmer with large holdings, whose crops one year were unusually plentiful. His only thought was to build greater barns to hold it all. ‘And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall be those things be, which thou hast provided?’ Christ draws this conclusion:  ‘So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’ (Luke 12:16-21).”

This column answers questions of Ethics and Religion by submitting them to a multi-faith panel of spiritual leaders in the Grand Rapids area. We’d love to hear about the ordinary ethical questions that come up in the course of your day as well as any questions of religion that you’ve wondered about. Tell us how you resolved an ethical dilemma and see how members of the Ethics and Religion Talk panel would have handled the same situation. Please send your questions to [email protected].