Scared of death

[revots33]

I'm pretty sure I'm older than most on this board... one thing I've realized is that, ironically, death scares you less as you get older.

I've also often wondered if most organized religions would exist if life after death was not part of the teachings? For instance, if Islam, Christianity, Judaism all were EXACTLY the same as they are now - except no eternal life for us after we die. Something tells me churches would be a lot less crowded. It just seems convenient that all these religions promise the one thing most humans want more than anything else. Now put your money in the collection basket.