Life After Death?

These are my thoughts on life after death.

I’ll never forget the first time I accompanied someone at the end of their life. Anxious about what to expect and whether I would be sufficient support for the man who was dying. I felt the pressure to get it right for him. His name was Roland.

It was a long night, and the experience unfolded like a textbook death. I held his hand as his breathing became more laboured until it eventually stopped. I witnessed, quite literally, life leave his body. What had once been a warm, flushed hand suddenly became cool, pale, and lifeless. It was an honour to be there—thank you, Roland.

Roland died on June 27th, 26 years ago, and every time I accompany someone at the end of their life, I think of him.

People frequently ask me about my beliefs concerning life after death, assuming that my opinion carries more weight because of my profession. In reality, I feel no closer to knowing now than I did 26 years ago.

Death is Death

I notice a stark difference between life and death when observing someone’s final moments; they are poles apart. The physical manifestation of someone’s life leaving their body is astonishing. I am always in awe of death’s immediate stillness and finality.

So, my answer is that physical death is final. I cannot conceive the notion that our consciousness exists beyond death in the way that we experience consiousness in life. However, I believe there is a great deal of merit in the idea that our essence remains in the legacies and memories we leave behind—the ripples we create in the world. Here’s an illustration that explains what I mean.

Life After Death

“Along the Wire” is a captivating phrase often found in Terry Pratchett’s beloved Discworld series, where it refers to the imaginative communication technology of that fantastical universe. In the novel ‘Going Postal,’ the ingenious “clacks” — a farcical yet brilliant means of sending messages — transmit information meant for all towers, weaving a tapestry of connectivity across the land.

The “clacks” serve as the Discworld’s whimsical counterparts to the telegraph or telephone, relaying messages through a network of towering stations linked by a system of clever codes. Thus, “Along the Wire” beautifully illustrates the journey of messages travelling through this intricate communication web. In his trademark humorous style, Pratchett delves into profound themes of death and the afterlife, proposing that the “true” afterlife isn’t some lofty destination (like heaven) but rather the enduring influence we have on the world around us.

Moreover, the phrase “along the wire” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the “wire” of life itself. Just a heartbeat after we stop speaking, the echoes of our words continue to resonate along this wire, creating a lasting impression. This notion feels far more profound than the conventional idea of heaven, inviting us to reflect on the legacy we leave behind.

Telly Tubby Land

Heaven is often associated with eternal bliss and paradise, where souls dwell in the presence of a higher power. While I understand the appeal of viewing death as a form of everlasting happiness, the concept of existing in a place with God is much more challenging for me to accept despite being a person of faith.

The Bible refers to “heaven” as God’s dwelling place, but interestingly, it does not explicitly state that souls go there after death. So, where does this notion come from? The Bible depicts death as a state of unconsciousness and emphasises resurrection or the hope of eternal life. In scripture, eternal life represents a higher quality of existence rather than merely its duration. It encourages us to keep the essence of our loved ones alive by cherishing all the good aspects of their lives. In this sense, when we remember those we have lost, we engage in an act that transcends merely recalling the past; it allows us to make those memories real in the present moment. Much like when Jesus says at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of me!” He invites us into a relationship with him. By remembering him, he remains with us.

Thinking of heaven as a whimsical “Teletubby Land” seems absurd. Such ideas lack a foundation in scripture or reason. Instead, heaven should be viewed as a benchmark—a set of values that guide us in living our best lives and leaving a positive legacy for future generations. Viewing heaven simply as something unattainable in the sky is a serious misconception; it may even dilute the valid message of Christianity.

They Live On…

Life after death is found in the impressions we’ve made and the lasting impact we’ve had on others. Through the echoes, ripples, vibrations, and marks we leave behind. I actually believe this is a biblical concept, and as much a matter of faith as it is scientific.

In closing, I’d like to share some insightful reflections from Ann Druyan, a renowned writer, producer, and scientist. Her words provide thought-provoking material, but go some way in explaining my thoughts.

“When my husband died, because he was so famous and known for not being a believer, many people would come up to me still, and sometimes ask me if Carl changed at the end and converted to a belief in an afterlife. They also frequently ask me if I think I will see him again. Carl faced his death with unflagging courage and never sought refuge in illusions. The tragedy was that we knew we would never see each other again. I don’t ever expect to be reunited with Carl. But, the great thing is that when we were together for nearly twenty years, we lived with a vivid appreciation of how brief and precious life is. We never trivialized the meaning of death by pretending it was anything other than a final parting. Every single moment that we were alive and we were together was miraculous – not miraculous in the sense of inexplicable or supernatural. We knew we were beneficiaries of chance. That pure chance could be so generous and so kind. That we could find each other, as Carl wrote so beautifully in Cosmos, you know, in the vastness of space and the immensity of time. That we could be together for twenty years is something which sustains me, and it’s much more meaningful. The way he treated me and the way I treated him, the way we took care of each other and our family while he lived. That is so much more important than the idea I will see him someday. I don’t think I’ll ever see Carl again. But I saw him. We saw each other. We found each other in the Cosmos, and that was wonderful.”

The books written by Terry Pratchett are well worth a read. Click Here