Can We Just Choose To Believe?

In my research into the realm of the afterlife, I am confronted with conflicting information and documentation - on the spiritual, religious and scientific fronts. All compelling, each advocates for their unique positions with an air of credible authority.

Dr. Robert Lanza suggests that there is no death and shows his proof through an aspect of quantum physics called biocentrism. According to Dr. Lanza and those who advocate his theory, space and time are not the hard objects we perceive them to be but are merely tools for putting everything together. In this timeless, spaceless world death cannot exist.

There are highly respected philosophers who strongly believe in dualism; proclaiming that there are two types of realities. One is the physical, which is characterized by measurable properties. The other is the mental, characterized by those qualities that are immeasurable. Dualism professes, then, the separation of body and soul. Therefore in death the body decomposes into its original elements. The soul, however, cannot decompose, as it is not made of material substances.

Various world religions believe in Heaven and/or life after death. Each makes a compelling case for their views, citing their biblical teachings as proof for the soul moving on after the physical body has died - attaining a place in Heaven and then returning to Earth in another form.

Yet, for every bit of “proof” I have read or heard about the truth of an afterlife – as mentioned above – there are those who have equally supporting evidence that this not possible; when one’s body dies there is not a soul to carry on.

Such is the case with “monists” who refute the theory of dualism by claiming that the mind and body are the only ultimate reality and are not separate entities. Death, according to the monist, is not to be feared, as it is merely the dissolution of the soul into its original atoms.

Yet, in my travels, speaking with people who have had near-death and out of body experiences: people who have been touched by spirits of the departed, I find myself believing in their experiences. I do not need to put scientific proof to my mindset for I listen to these folks talk with such earnestness that I know without a doubt that they have taken these miraculous journeys. And they believe. And they are not thwarted by those who don’t.

A very dear friend recently suggested that I cannot believe in such occurrences merely because I want to. Well, why not?

I buy into the possibility of these extraordinary stories mainly because it brings me great peace of mind. And if I want proof – well its there – if I choose to read only of the philosophers and scientists and religious scholars whose theories concur with my need for such verification. And don’t we all do that every day when we choose to read or listen to only those who would support our beliefs?

I shall continue to read and research this fascinating topic, but until I am shown definitive proof one way or the other, I shall continue to believe. And know that one day I will learn the truth through personal experience.

C.J. Golden, motivational speaker and author of TAO OF THE DEFIANT WOMAN, the award winning TAO-GIRLS RULE!, and the recently published REFLECTIONS FROM BEYOND, travels the country inspiring all with her dynamic spirit and vision. Visit her at www.taogirl.com and www.reflectionsfrombeyond.com

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Submitted by Norwalk, CT

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