By far, one of the most controversial subjects throughout the ages has been religion. It might be an over-discussed subject, but people always seem to return to it anyways. There’s no proof that anything really exists beyond this life, but nearly every person in the world has created some sort of fantasy to give themselves a comforting explanation. Some dedicate themselves to worship and confession while others live their lives without thought of the afterlife whatsoever. I won’t state what I believe, but by the end of this article it might be apparent.

Due to observation, research, and experience, I have noticed that there are so many people out there who are horrified of the afterlife or the idea that there isn’t one. In examining a recent debate between two individuals with completely different views, I realized that religion could very well be a fear based invention. On one side of the argument, God does not exist and life itself is in the hands of the individual living it.

“I control my life and believing I have a destiny only limits the adventures of this life to the one our supposed God has in store for me. I refuse to believe that. There is no one or thing directing my life. Everything is chance and if I change someone’s life, then it was not my destiny, just a happening. It was not a purpose. I have no purpose.”

The opponent, who believes their destiny will be great, answers, “But how can you say you have no purpose? Doesn’t it scare you to say that? I believe everyone has a purpose.”

“It doesn’t scare me at all. I see it differently. My saying that I do not have a purpose pretty much leaves my options open. I can change what I want, do what I want, and become what I want. If I want to affect someone, then I will, but because I chose to.”

“But what if you go to Hell?”

“There is no hell. That is what I believe. Hell and Heaven do not exist.”

“But what if you are wrong?”

“I am not wrong. Neither are you. If you can find proof that either of us are ‘wrong’ then perhaps I will change my ways, but religion is based on belief.”

Both sides had valid and passionate points, but to be logical, where is the proof? To say that one side is wrong and one is right is completely bogus because in order to accuse someone of being wrong, there must be fact, but there cannot be fact in religion. Neither side can prove the other wrong, so both sides are right.

The idea confused me for a long time, but the skeptic seemed completely content with the idea that there was no God. Could it be a weakness? Some might say that believing God will save them in hard times is a sign that they cannot fend for themselves in this world. A view like that could be argued, but could it really be that God is a fear based belief because we cannot face the idea that we are alone. Then, the ones who do believe we are alone seem so much more free, content and willing to live their lives to the fullest because they are not shackled by terror and destiny. Again, this point could be argued two ways. Either side would find many ways to sway the other, but ultimately, there is no proof, so where do we draw the line? Who makes the rules? Who knows what comes after our bodies die? It’s frightening, of course, but if we did not face what scared us the most, how will we ever go on living?