Doubting the existence of Heaven/eternal life

[Chilo]

I wasn’t completely sure which topic to put this in. I’ve always considered myself a faithful person, the doubts that I have had of God always slip away into “Of course there’s a God”

However, lately-for the past week or so- I’ve really been struggling to believe in the afterlife which leads to “Well, if there’s no afterlife there’s no God” I’ve never questioned God in this way, I have questioned the afterlife before, but I’ve always assumed that it stemmed from fear of death and how we perceive death here on earth. I’m very sure that’s still the cause of my doubts, but now I feel like they’re getting stronger. I want to believe, because to me “No afterlife” sounds awful, but not as bad as it did before…so I’m afraid I might be accepting it? I’ve been praying a lot more than I ever have lately as well, but the other night when I had what almost felt like a full blown anxiety attack over this, my praying didn’t help me. I know that God isn’t a vending machine, but at the same time I was really hoping for some kind of comfort “Of course there’s an afterlife” but I didn’t get that. What triggered the almost-panic-attack was I saw where some guy claimed to have died and said there was nothing, but I’ve also heard the opposite? I’m sorry I’m rambling now. I just don’t know what to do or where to turn right now.

 

[pianistclare]

Do you read the Bible?

John 14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith* in God; have faith also in me.

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.

OP: The prince of lies is messing with you. Don’t fall for junk you see on FB or YouTube.
Pray the St. Michael Prayer, and also pray “Lord, help my unbelief”.

Peace.

 

[RandomAlias]

Let you mind dwell on love, not fear. In your life, do you see signs of God’s presence and love? If so, say a prayer of thanks and praise. When you have moments of doubt and fear, recall those things that affirm your faith, and let them strengthen you.

If there are specific things that you see or do that stir up your doubt, consider limiting your exposure to those things. For example, if you see something on the internet about how science goes against faith, don’t be too quick to believe it. Science actually reveals God’s power and wisdom, and for me (as a scientist) it strengthens my faith enormously. Avoid websites or blogs that misuse science in order to reject God.

Another example: If you read or see something that says the Church is corrupt or superstitious, just remember that that’s only the opinion of someone who may feel hurt or disappointed, and who needs God’s grace and our prayers. Remember that the Church is guided by the Holy Spirit, and remember the holiness of the Church, as we see in the Mass and the Sacraments. Avoid websites or blogs that reject or threaten the Church.

Let us pray: May the Holy Spirit strengthen you in your struggles and guide you always toward greater faith, hope, and love.

 

[hymin]

"The first commandment requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance, and to reject everything that is opposed to it. There are various ways of sinning against faith:

Voluntary doubt about the faith disregards or refuses to hold as true what God has revealed and the Church proposes for belief. Involuntary doubt refers to hesitation in believing, difficulty in overcoming objections connected with the faith, or also anxiety aroused by its obscurity. If deliberately cultivated doubt can lead to spiritual blindness."

(Catechsim of the Catholic Church, 2088)

 

[BlackFriar]

Go and see your GP and tell him you are having anxiety attacks.
The content is usually irrelevant, its a bodily thing. Often brought on my prolonged stress or after a traumatic incident.

 

[po18guy]

There have been several “crisis of faith” threads lately. IMO, this is a spiritual attack of some sort. Can your life, your soul, your spirit, your memories, your love of others, their love of you, the beauty that surrounds you - simply be meaningless? Life a cruel joke? Despair your only option? If you are not clinically depressed, then…

Someone is leaning heavily on your faith, and it is not God.

Many - even most - things we do can be a waste of time. Have you spent time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament? Even if you do not believe in anything, time spent with Jesus Christ is invaluable. Go to your local parish when they offer adoration and just sit there. Tell the Lord about your doubts, your worries, your insecurities.

Be as patient with Him as He has been with you. When you receive your consolation, you will be changed.

 

[fhansen]

Start praying: ask, knock, and seek. Only God can answer your question, and He won’t turn down sincere
quests for truth regarding the faith. Such a quest is, itself, an act of faith.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Heb 11:6

We can even pray for faith:
"Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Matt 9:24

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I think I read that same article as you. The guy who died was an atheist and clearly looking to support his position that there isn’t any God. He basically didn’t remember anything that happened while he was dead and took his lack of memories as proof that there’s “nothing” because I guess on some level he was wishfully expecting an NDE. Now why would an atheist be hoping for/ expecting an NDE? To prove him wrong about being an atheist?

Plus the whole article appeared on a tabloid newspaper page right above some story about ghosts being seen in the wreckage of the Twin Towers. Not exactly reliable.

In any event, we do not base our faith in the afterlife on NDE experiences. Sure, they can be interesting to read about (especially when Tibetan monks in the past have had some similar experiences to NDE’s today), but our belief is based on Church teachings, including the Bible, not on somebody’s private revelations that happened when they were temporarily dead.