Darwin,

First of all, I totally am eye to eye with you on the issue!

My question is, once one has reconciled him/herself to the fact that we

are simply highly developed animals with very efficient bio-chemical

computers in our skulls, and really nothing more...death becomes

terrifying. It becomes essentially an oblivion. The ultimate

nothingness. Just an organic processor shutting down and permanently

turning off. Like sleep with no dreams. No time. No nothing. Not even

blackness? that would mean you were at least aware of something.

Nothingness is absolutely, unthinkably petrifying to most, because we

are so, so hardwired to expect cause and effect and continuity of

conciousness. I understand why people cling to religeous beliefs in

light of that whole concept. They must, because, like children, they

need reasurance that they will remain intact somehow....protected from

oblivion...led into an "afterlife" of some kind, and even though you and

I know that's all horseshit ..... THEY must defend it to the point of

overblown, fantastic and bizzare rationalizations. Hell.. Even I'M

tempted sometimes to believe in some kind of alternative to the harsh

reality of just flesh, blood and brain cells. But really now, what the

heck is a departed SOUL?? "Departed" from what!?!? What nonsense!

What do you think?  Does this certainty of death and then nothingness

bug you too? I value you feedback on this, Darwin...because you are a

rational, sensible individial in this semi-senseless and disappointing

society of ours!

Very best regards to you and good luck!

-Craig