Chapter 1: The Afterlife Dilemma

The notion that death somehow resolves society's issues is questionable. Does crossing over magically transform people into better versions of themselves? I remain skeptical.

Is it perhaps a filtering process? The bad souls are supposedly sent "downstairs," leaving only the virtuous "upstairs." This idea seems rather implausible. In fact, I find the entire concept of an afterlife to be quite dubious. Here's why:

• Dictatorships are problematic.

Even if the ruling figure is benevolent, discontent will inevitably arise. People may start to demand democracy or some other system of governance.

• Oligarchies are equally unsatisfactory.

Some envision the afterlife governed by a triad—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This arrangement resembles a feudal system, which history has shown to be ineffective. Remember the Magna Carta?

• Democratic systems can be just as frustrating.

If the afterlife operates as a democracy, it will likely mirror the current political climate. Disputes and arguments over every decision can drive one to despair. At least life has the advantage of an ending; the next existence could be interminable!

Now that we've reached a pivotal point in this discussion, I feel compelled to reveal the scientific perspective on the afterlife. If you're deeply religious, you might want to stop reading here, as I have no intention of undermining your beliefs. I respect the joy and meaning that faith can provide.

Stop Worrying, There (Probably) Is an Afterlife - This video explores whether the afterlife is a comforting concept or just wishful thinking.

Chapter 2: Myths and Realities

I enjoyed creating a sense of magic for my children each December, as they wrote letters to Santa Claus, listing their desires. It was enchanting, but ultimately, just a fairy tale.

Similarly, while Jesus is a delightful figure—especially the portrayal of baby Jesus—it also belongs to the realm of myth.

Honesty Alert: I admire Jesus and hold him in high regard, but not in a self-centered manner. In a more enlightened context, we appreciate his message without seeking material gain or fear of divine retribution.

The mature understanding of Jesus is that he isn't a miraculous figure who resolves all problems. This perspective is juvenile. Our world is facing serious challenges, and it’s time to mature, shedding our egos and childish beliefs in favor of collective action.

This naive view of Jesus has contributed to the ego-centric mindset that has led to many societal issues. We must recognize that in the grand scheme of the universe, our individual importance is negligible.

Love, however, transcends individual egos. When we express love, we engage in a universal dance of connection.

The Church of Christ Without Christ

There's an intriguing novel by Flannery O'Connor titled "Wise Blood," where a WWII veteran establishes an anti-religious movement called "The Holy Church of Christ Without Christ." The core message of Christianity—to love thy neighbor—is commendable, yet the mystical image of Jesus often distorts this message, turning it into an ego-boosting belief.

In both cases—Jesus and Santa—real individuals inspired the legends. The authentic Jesus lived in Galilee, and St. Nicholas spread joy through gift-giving. However, after their times, society projected fantasies onto them, creating the idea that they are constantly aware of our actions.

While it's possible to view Santa as a humorous parallel to Jesus, this leads to the realization that relying on either for salvation is ultimately a form of wishful thinking.

Scientific Evidence For Life After Death - Gary Habermas - This video delves into the research surrounding the idea of life after death, challenging preconceived notions.

Many individuals believe they have escaped these childish myths, yet the reality is often different. In O'Connor's story "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," a harrowing encounter reveals how we cling to the hope of being saved by an external force, indicating a deeper psychological issue.

This may seem harsh, especially during the holiday season, but the roots of this harshness stem from individualism and ego, not from a post-ego perspective.

Recognizing and overcoming our childish egos can lead us to a more profound existence. Once we move beyond egoism, we can truly embrace the eternal connections with our fellow beings. That's when the real magic happens.