Thread: The reason for death

Last week my uncle passed away. Yes, he had his problems such as alcohol, poor diet, and he was very ill, but it still came as a great shock (as it should be). Nothing like this had happened in my familiy thus far so it greatly impacted us. Some (most actually) of family members are devoted Catholics and kept praying to God and asking "why?" I did this myself somtimes. We were comforted by believing God need my uncle for his own divine plan and that we would soon be reunited. We even cracked a few jokes about it here are there! My Lord, I have never seen so much crying in one room as I did at uncle Bob's funeral! Almost laughed about it too...And I never realized how many lives one person can touch. Quite a few actually.
But is death a carfully planed event or is it just a natural thing that must happen? Does God devise each and every one of our souls death? Well, if God did that then why bother with Heaven and Hell if he could just have it his way! Is it out of God's hands and is it all natural? Is it even a good thing? That's a hard question. For humanity-yes because it supplies microbes with food thus building the food chain, plus it keeps the population in check. But for individuals-no, it causes pain and suffering and other malaise. Without death would life exist? Could we enjoy ourselfs quite as much?
I seem to have mave several threads with this one so I will wrap it up. Please, post your opinions scientific and philosophical

Death? It occurs because your bodily deteriorates to the point that it is unable to sustain itself without external assistance.

The reason? Scientists have discovered a certain chemical that is attached to the end of a DNA strand which ensures that the strand replicates correctly. Every time it replicates however, some of this chemical is lost and eventually it gets to the point where cell replication becomes faulty and thus the body deteriorates.

Hence, death.

Originally Posted by Ausinus

Death? It occurs because your bodily deteriorates to the point that it is unable to sustain itself without external assistance.

The reason? Scientists have discovered a certain chemical that is attached to the end of a DNA strand which ensures that the strand replicates correctly. Every time it replicates however, some of this chemical is lost and eventually it gets to the point where cell replication becomes faulty and thus the body deteriorates.

Hence, death.

Is the loss of chemical intended by DNA or is it an unavoidable side effect?

Ok, on the DNA and the body eventually wearing down-that IS the cause of death-scientifically. If we speak philosphically there is a deeper reason. If God is creator of all (including DNA), then why make DNA dissolve?



I think the DNA dissolving is an unavoidable effect. "Scientifically" our only purpose is to reproduce, and insure the survival of out speacies. So dieing would exactly insure anything at all exept "the end"

Who says there needs to be a philosophical reason for it.

Originally Posted by Ausinus

Who says there needs to be a philosophical reason for it.

Nice sig Aussie. Zim rocks!

I would fall back on Einstein: Humans are atoms' way of thinking about atoms.

We exist for one reason only, to reproduce. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy it and make it as wonderful as possible for each other.

Condolances on your uncle. His parts will, within a few years, be the building blocks of literally billions of other living things all around the globe. It's not how the masses see reincarnation - but it's the fact of it.

Originally Posted by Ausinus

Who says there needs to be a philosophical reason for it.

Well, no one exactly says it because they either know it, or they dont wish to know it. There can be a philosophical reason for everything as long as someone wants there to be one.

Originally Posted by Dr.Knuckles

I would fall back on Einstein: Humans are atoms' way of thinking about atoms.

We exist for one reason only, to reproduce. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy it and make it as wonderful as possible for each other.

Condolances on your uncle. His parts will, within a few years, be the building blocks of literally billions of other living things all around the globe. It's not how the masses see reincarnation - but it's the fact of it.

perhaps this is the exact reason? Like the hydra, cut of one head and two grow back. Or in this case, thousands of microbes.

Originally Posted by Xenophon

perhaps this is the exact reason? Like the hydra, cut of one head and two grow back. Or in this case, thousands of microbes.

Law of conservation of matter. It cannot be produced or destroyed.