Fear of dying - Religious vs non-religious people

[Pete H]

In the "What do you fear" -thread quite many people said they fear of dying. At least some of 'em said they are religious.

Instinctly you'd expect religious people to be less afraid of dying as they believe to live forever.

This however seems not to be the truth. At least of people I've met the religious people seem to be more afraid of dying than non-religious people.

If this is true, why is it that way?

I think the first religion was invented pretty soon after humans became aware of their mortality.

Dying is extremely difficult concept to understand and even harder to accept. Going on denial is standard and among the religion we got ourselves eternal life.

We haven't changed that much and today those who are afraid of dying are more likely to seek comfort from religions. But because they can't be sure they'll still be afraid to die.

Of course fear of hell has some affect, but I don't think it's as important as fear of not existing.

I think most people would rather live forever in hell than die. I'd rather die than live forever in heaven.