Some years back, when suicide bombers were becoming numerous, an Islamist spokesman stated, in effect, “You in the West love life, but here we love death, and that is why we will prevail.”

Also around that time, a Muslim comedian, posing as a journalist, asked the question, “What would you suggest as the best punishment for a suicide bomber?” Long pause, then the laughs. Grimly funny.

And I remember Japan’s kamikaze pilots during World War II. We asked, “Who are such people? Was it desperation? Religious fanaticism?” Die for family or country — sure, but it seemed more distanced than that.

J.S. Bach wrote a chorale titled, “O Come Sweet Death,” and there are numerous folk songs that yearn to “Go over Jordan.” I’m also reminded of James Watt, secretary of the Interior under Ronald Reagan, who cared little for the environment, for wildlife, for clean water or air, because the end was near and we wouldn’t be needing this earthly realm much longer.

There it is — the “afterlife” as prime concern and motivator, with existence here merely a sort of waiting room, or “vale of tears.” The Somali writer and activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Muslim, criticizes segments of her religion for “giving priority to the afterlife over the present day.” Similar criticisms could be directed at other religions as well, and certainly at many Christians.

Yes, life can be tough and tragic. Injustice abounds, as do disease and poverty, repression and cruelty. But take this obsession with life after death, combined with a rejection of life on Earth, to its extreme and you end up with a polluted planet and suicide bombers.

This life is a gift — the mysterious gift of being. I say embrace it, and what lies beyond will take care of itself.

Abbott Meader

Oakland

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