Live Long, then Prosper

     The Christian emphasis on death has been viewed as morbid by various atheists. Indeed, one went so far as to write an atheist hymn cheerfully declaring that he was in no hurry to die, and that he wished to live past his hundredth year. Of course most people love life dearly but I cannot help but think that the Christian view is somewhat more practical. Whether the atheist wants to live well past a hundred is somewhat irrelevant. He isn't going to. 

For those of us who love life there are two alternatives, enjoy the ephemeral flash of life we are given and then accept unending death, or look to another life. However, if there is a second life, it may be impacted by what we do in this life. Most religions have picked up on this fact. The ancient Egyptians focused so much on death precisely because they so loved life.

The materialist tries to avoid death and pain at all costs, since this is our one chance at life and pleasure, yet for those who believe in an after life these are secondary concerns. The soul must be protected from corruption, or else it may fall into decay in the long stretch of ages. 

No man will save his life by being cautious with it, yet he may gain unending life if he makes a good crossing of death.