Discussion Questions
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Commenting on death, Dallas Willard said, “Death is avoided in common discussions by human beings because it is the ultimate failure. At death you face the fact you are not God, you do not run the universe. Death is the ultimate vulnerability.” In what ways have you seen people express their sense of vulnerability when considering their own death or the death of someone they care about? Do you agree with the statement: “At death you face the fact you are not God”? Explain your answer.
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34 Replies
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Well, it is a perfect time to bring God into the picture. At the funeral the pastor preaches and some even receive God on this very day. We all know that God loves being in the loop of everything. Facing the facts could lead to many things. Life can slip right out of you during a near death experience.
But God is faithful, and He has the power to restore our soul in the mist of death. -
Yes, we I attend a funeral I realize that I and no one else is created to live forever. Life will one day end for everyone. This experience shows that God is the ultimate source and creator or all.
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I agree that at death realize your mortality. I suppose immortality is godlike but I don’t believe people believe they are God. I have seen people who are not Christians run to Christ when confronted with death seeking solace and answers. Consequently, I have seen Christians backslide when confronted with death. Especially if it’s the death of a child or a violent unexpected death (say with a prolonged illness ).
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Willard’s comment that death is the “ultimate failure” recognizes that humans are not able to control of death. As Christians, we can rest secure that if we live as born-again ambassadors of Christ, even though we recognize that we are not in control and must, “face the fact” that we are not God and die, we will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven. I saw this in my own Grandmother’s passing, when she called everyone to her bedside to tell them that she tried her best in life. She also apologized for any wrongdoing she may have caused her family. It was like she was aware she had one last shot to get it right before she died. Willard’s comment that death is the ultimate vulnerability exposes this idea that all must die and face judgement and account for what they did/did not do in life before their creator.
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I recently lost both my parents within a few weeks of one another, they were both very open and confident about what was coming. I don’t agree with the statement; I know I am not God and that one day I will pass. During my childhood, several of my extended family died and, I guess, the way I was raised might have been different from others. Death is, of course, sad but it is also a celebration of renewal; your faith allows you to be taken to something so much better. I am not God and have never even considered facing an eternal life like He lives; I am human and hope that my death takes me to His home.
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Doug Groothuis stated, “Our culture is very interested in life after death. You think of the interest in near-death experiences, in attempting to communicate with spirit guides or higher beings, or I think some of the interest in extraterrestrial life is really rooted in a desire to transcend the limitations of this life.” Do you agree with Doug Groothuis’ statement? Why or why not? Can you think of other theories that speak to the human need to survive death? What are they? Why are those views held?
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23 Replies
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Some people just love life so much they just refuse to except any possibilities of dying. Parents feel obligated to nurture their children until they are fully grown. The bible says that true Christians will never die but meet up with God in heaven, if we should die, then we will come back life. (John 11: 23-26)
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I believe that Jesus gave us eternal life and that is the only need to survive death having Jesus in our heart
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I agree that many Christians pray for a life after death otherwise they feel they made many sacrifices for nothing.
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I do not entirely agree yet we need to be sure of our future in God by the way we live and treat all other people on earth and by His Grace and Mercy we need not fear the hereafter.
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When younger a person will always think they are invincible until something happens ie: a family member dies or they have experienced a near-death experience. It’s maybe this time they search for the meaning of life and a life after death.