From ancient myths to modern science fiction, the concept of living forever has captivated the human imagination. But what does it truly mean to live forever? Would we even want to live forever? And, how would we define “forever?”

As attractive as it might seem on the surface, we have to wonder, would we eventually get bored and want to simply “pull the plug?”

Living forever, or achieving immortality, conjures up visions of eternal youth, endless time, and boundless possibilities. It might seem to represent the ultimate triumph over the limitations of human existence. Yet, beneath the allure of eternal life lies a complex tapestry of philosophical, ethical, and practical considerations. And that is even before we consider the spiritual aspect of such a discussion.

Once we have examined the question of prolonging the existence of the human body, we will be forced to consider the spiritual view.

Throughout history, various cultures have explored methods to prolong life, from alchemical elixirs to mystical practices. In the modern era, advances in science and technology have fueled speculation about the potential for extending human lifespan indefinitely. Concepts such as cryonics, genetic engineering, and mind uploading have all been proposed as potential pathways to immortality.

However, each of these approaches comes with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. Cryonics, for instance, involves freezing the body after death in the hope of future revival, but its effectiveness remains unproven. Genetic engineering holds the promise of extending lifespan by manipulating the aging process at the molecular level, but raises concerns about equity and unintended consequences. Similarly, mind uploading – the transfer of consciousness into a digital substrate – raises profound questions about identity and what it means to be human.

But, the greater question remains – “what if we can’t ever find a way to prolong the physical body indefinitely?” The question of existence after physical death, is bluntly answered in the Bible. John 6:47 “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Clearly, that message references the spiritual realm, but human nature will cause us to continue to seek an earthly solution.

Even as science continues to explore avenues to prolong human life, there are  profound philosophical questions to consider. What would it mean to exist indefinitely in a world where everything else is subject to change and decay? Would immortality bring eternal bliss, or would it eventually become a burden, devoid of meaning in the absence of mortality? Moreover, the prospect of living forever raises concerns about overpopulation, resource depletion, and the sustainability of life on Earth.

Perhaps God’s design of human mortality is spot on. The cycle of life and death is necessary in the grand scheme of our world.

Even with our limited grasp of the world we inhabit, the pursuit of immortality raises questions about fairness and social justice. If only a select few were able to achieve eternal life, what would become of those left behind? Would there be a widening gap between the immortal elite and the mortal masses? Moreover, the very idea of immortality challenges traditional notions of the human condition, including the inevitability of death and the importance of cherishing each moment.

In the face of these profound questions and challenges, we might argue that the quest for immortality is ultimately misguided. Rather than seeking to prolong life indefinitely, perhaps we should focus on enhancing the quality of life for all people, regardless of their lifespan. This might involve addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, which pose immediate threats to human well-being.

In the process, perhaps we should also focus on enhancing our relationship with our Creator.

Ultimately, the pursuit of immortality is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor. For some, the idea of living forever represents the ultimate triumph of human ingenuity and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. For others, it may be a fool’s errand, fraught with ethical dilemmas and existential concerns. Regardless of where one stands on the question of immortality, one thing remains clear: the quest to understand and transcend the limits of human existence is an integral part of what it means to be human.

And the gift of existence beyond physical death carries with it the opportunity to learn all that the human spirit desires to know.

That is truly life after death.