NPR Announces New Series: “Conversations On The Afterlife”

Philosopher Samuel Scheffler. Credit: law.nyu.edu

NPR will be broadcasting a number of discussions on the subject of dying this month in their series, “Conversations On The Afterlife.” In particular, the station will place its emphasis on the concept of an afterlife according to men and women across religious, spiritual and secular mindsets.

The series is the station’s effort to create a diverse dialogue on the subject of Heaven, Hell – and whatever might be in-between — in the hopes that more introspection and clarity on the topic may be afforded to its listeners. The subject of death and dying is too often considered a somber, sit-down matter. But with “Conversations On The Afterlife” we’re given the opportunity to access the topic in a casual context; it’s important to make space for the taboo topic in our habitual moments of dishwashing, or driving to pick up more pet food.

“The series is the station’s effort to create a diverse dialogue on the subject of Heaven, Hell – and whatever might be in-between”

Credit: Wikipedia

There’s a very refreshing blend of opinions in NPR’s series as well. Interviewers will pick the brains of figures like pastor Gabriel Salguero, then follow their faith-based perspective with a more secular interview. Consider philosopher Samuel Scheffler, a man who, says NPR, “doesn’t think that a spirit or soul survives the body’s physical death.” At the same time, he illuminates the importance of the afterlife not as “what we think about [in] our own life after death,” but as the belief that “we trust that others will continue to live after us. And, much like faith in a spiritual afterlife, that belief changes what we choose to do with our days on earth.”

“And, much like faith in a spiritual afterlife, that belief changes what we choose to do with our days on earth.”

–Samuel Scheffler

What do you think about the concept of an afterlife? Does the idea inherently connect us to a kind of religion, or sense of spirituality? We look forward to your comments below.

Listen to the entire NPR series here.

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