Are you afraid to die???

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My father died when I was 7, so I guess I started thinking (obsessing) about this at an earlier age than some. I go through times when I read everything I can about near death experiences. I was raised in a strict religious denomination (almost wrote demonination-oops). I remember going to camp when I was 13 and the preacher saying "Imagine 5 minutes in hell--burning forever" or something similar. I think I've said the sinner's prayer every time I've been in church!! ! I got baptized twice just to be sure!! ! I no longer attend church, it took me a while to catch on about people having more than one face, guess I was a bit slow...and I have a severely autistic child so it would be kind of difficult... Anyway, I guess I'll find out one day what happens, I wish I could be assured of seeing my dad again and that I was "right with God". It's funny I fear death , but at the same time I have a longing in my heart that gets deeper as I get older (I'm 37) to "go home". It's hard to explain. One day when I was obsessing particularly bad, a tv show came on (and I very, very seldom watch tv) and it was the twilight zone show where the old lady is terrified to die and she looks back at her body and the death angel, says "What you thought would be an explosion was only a whisper" and she walks away happily with him.
I'm not sure if it was a coincidence, but I took some comfort in that maybe God was telling me to calm down about it.
I guess I just wanted to know your thoughts and experiences.

think of it this way, if you die..........your problems are over. no more bills. no more worries just you and eternity

I've never had a near death experience, so I can't tell you first hand what it's like to be dead. It sounds like some of your fear of death is based on your anxiety about judgment in the after life. It also sounds like you basically fear the unknown. Both are perfectly common. I myself have the same concerns, and ponder the nature of death, and of course I fear it. I don't fear it to the point of dysfunction, but it does scare me not to know what it's like, or how strange it would feel to die, or even if I'll exist after my life cycle ends.

If it helps, people have maintained their stories about near death experience, and some are amazing.

I'v been thinking about death since I was about 5 years old and never particularly liked the idea. But I never kidded myself it was anything but he end of my life. Period. I am 84 now and watched my wife die a couple of weeks ago. It was very unpleasant but that's life. It comes with the whole package. There is no afterlife and you have no alternative but to swallow it. Religion is baloney.

No. I think i'm afraid of living.

At this point, I don't care if there's an afterlife or not.

I have absolutely no fear of death. I'd prefer such an event to be quick rather than slow and painful though.

I have a concern about the actual method of death, do I fear death itself, no, because there is nothing to fear once dead. I do get a bit envious of what I am going to miss out on with technological advances after my death

No. But I am afraid of being reincarnated in a worse life after my death .

I'm afraid of death to the extent I'm motivated to live.

No, but I would really prefer it not to happen within, say, the next 5 minutes.

I had a near death experience. I have been through the five Kubler-Ross phases. It turns out I survived but I have faced the Terror. Death no longer terrifies me. When it happens it happens as it must happen.

ruveyn

Yes and no.

I always welcomed death as an escape to pain thus the suicidal attempts I went through while severely depressed. The third time I almost came close to it and had no fear.

On the otherhand, I fear death when it comes to others. I've had to watch animals and people die and the pain of that is knowing I won't get to see or hear them again. I'm still traumatized by some of my relatives and friends that have passed away recently. I cry about bubby, my 3 year old nephew every now and again, who's life was just beginning. I'd have to say death takes up most space of my thoughts. So there isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about it.

People will usually tell you to just deal with or accept it but it's hard losing people you love and to imagine life without your existence. I gotta say, I'm starting to like my sense of self and this person I am in some regards.

THE VISIT

Death came in and sat himself,
Adjusted his black tie.
"I could," he said, "arrange this thing
But, maybe -", then, a sigh.
"Maybe you could help me out.
This can be difficult.
There are many ways to do the job,
With, of course the same result."
"Gosh", I said, "you know the work.
I'm just an amateur.
And frankly, I'd be much relieved
If you'd - but I'm not sure.
If you'd just go away
And occupy yourself
With other people somewhere else.
Put my case up on a shelf."
"Aah yes.", he said, and touched his head,
"The concept isn't new.
Frequently I've heard this said
By many more than you.
But, see here, my reputation
Wouldn't do too well
If I'd let you off the hook -
What is that smell?"
"I'm cooking up spaghetti sauce",
I glanced back at the stove.
"I wonder -" and he raised a brow.
"Oh, there's plenty here of course.
Why don't you join me now.
With a smile he assented.
After a plate, quite impressed,
"You've a way", he commented,
"With well done sauce and pasta."
"That's OK", I said, "come by anytime.
As long", I said," as you push me down the roster."
"No problem," Death replied, "I'd hardly do away
With such good cooking, dinner was delicious."
I saw him off , he gave a wave.
My future seemed auspicious.
I'm ready now, these days,
With tomato sauce on simmer.
I much prefer a happy meal
To something somewhat grimmer.

I reckon there was a post about this a year a go or so, why do such recurrent topics remain? -.-