All faiths share certain characteristics. None of them are 100% verifiable, though some are more likely than others. They are all lay claim to the truth, though some require special ways of thinking. They also all set something at the core of the human person’s being, but that which sits at that core differs. Although all faiths share these similarities, that which they set at the core matters. It matters because the core of the faith defines the actions of the person of integrity, and how that core belief directs the person of integrity to act has ramifications for us all.
Unlike many traditional faiths, Thanatism is a faith of “this”. Whereas many faiths teach that this life is simply a warmup for the much greater life of the ever-me, Thanatism teaches us that this life is all we shall ever know. How does that key difference affect other beliefs and the actions they promote?
Assuming we’re judged in the next life by what we do in this life, and that the judge in the next life expects us to treat our fellow humans with respect and dignity, we may do good. If however, the judge in the next life spurns those who don’t believe in his judgement, we may too spurn those whom he would deem unworthy. We may end relationships with family and friends who don’t believe in that judge. We may even find it justifiable to hurt or murder those unbelievers in our future judge’s name.
With Thanatism, there is no future life. This means we can live this life without fear of judgement in another world. This may mean that we disregard the well-being of others and treat them with disrespect if we can get away with it. It may mean, however, that we know that those with whom we share this earth are all we shall ever know. It may mean that we understand that our lives are the only thing each of us truly possesses, and so life ought to be respected at all costs. It may mean that we work diligently to ensure that our social institutions are just, as they are the only justice any of us shall ever receive.
Many faiths teach that there is another world, one entirely separate from this universe. Sometimes there are multiple worlds–one for the good, one for the bad, and even one for those who have yet to choose. This may incline such believers to strive to justify their place in the good other-world. It may, however, help them to disregard how their actions affect the current world we all inhabit.
With Thantism, we know of no other universe. This world is the only one we shall ever know. This may mean we have no fear of retribution should we destroy it. It may mean, however, that we know that any destructive act against this world is equally an act of destruction against ourselves. It may mean we more carefully consider how our current actions will affect the only world our children will inherit. It may mean we work diligently to protect the only world that we know of where life can exist.
Many faiths teach that there is another being, one much greater than we ourselves will ever be. This may give hope to those who feel powerless. It may give them peace. It may also encourage them to acquiesce to tyrants whose reign is ordained by that higher power. It may lull them into complacency, since their actions can hardly compare to the will of this great other who is ultimately in charge. It may make them, when confronted with great evil, think perhaps that it is Thy will that this be done.
Thanatism teaches us that we humans, the most clever of animal-kind, are the only rulers this world currently knows. This realization that there is no other who can guide us, may cause us anxiety. It may however, also be a rallying cry towards action. It may encourage us to better understand how this world really works. It may burden us with a sense of responsibility that can make us better than we currently are.
This faith–Thanatism–teaches us that this life, and this world, and this people are all there is. It’s terrifying when a child comes to realize that they are now the parent. It’s terrifying when we realize that society is nothing but what we ourselves create. It is terrifying to realize that you are responsible for your life and the lives of others. If, however, that is what is the case, so shall it be.