quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
Is that intended to mock those who believe in an afterlife?

If I were someone who jumped to conclusions with no evidence to support them I would say that such a question said much more about the questioner than atheists.

But as I’m not, I’ll treat it as a genuine request for information and answer it seriously.

No, it is not intended to mock anyone. There are much easier targets about the afterlife than a belief in Valhalla if that was my intent.

I have a warrior friend (former Army Special Forces) whom I respect very much who strongly identifies with certain traditional Norse values. He may have a vague notion of the concept of a Valhalla-like afterlife, but I doubt that he believes in the whole pantheon of traditional Norse gods. I suspect that’s true of most who answered yes to my poll question. But I don’t know. Our discussions didn’t actually plant the seed of inquiry that prompted my question, but they certainly helped it germinate and grow.

Contrary to widespread popular notions, not all atheists are “coldly certain” of their beliefs about religion. I am intellectually certain about my beliefs, but not emotionally positive, and I am curious about others’ concepts of what awaits us all. When I posted the poll, I actually expected very few “yes” answers, and am surprised by the results thus far. Are all of the yes answers serious? Based on my experience with asking much less controversial questions here, I suspect they are not. But it’s hard to imagine that all are attempts to stir up controversy or are more wishful thinking than firm belief.

I constantly strive to improve my knowledge and reasoning about countless subjects, from the best ways to teach new LEOs to shoot to the metaphysical. I have discussed the supernatural with a far left former Mormon Mensa member and she has given me much to think about, because despite her being an avowed atheist as well, she accepts that there may be supernatural forces that affect our lives. If I’m willing to consider her ideas seriously, I am certainly willing to consider the ideas of some of the members of this forum. I do not have all the answers to anything, much less questions about religion and possible afterlives, and I deeply appreciate the people who are willing to express their beliefs about such subjects.

If Hyakujo’s Fox did not escape the law of karma then how could a viking traduce karma? He can not. There is no Vahalla.

http://www.101zenstories.org/hyakujos-fox/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mr kablammo,

It's just north of White Plains.

Yup. http://valhallaresorthotel.com

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
Is that intended to mock those who believe in an afterlife?

If I were someone who jumped to conclusions with no evidence to support them I would say that such a question said much more about the questioner than atheists.

But as I’m not, I’ll treat it as a genuine request for information and answer it seriously.
....
I do not have all the answers to anything, much less questions about religion and possible afterlives, and I deeply appreciate the people who are willing to express their beliefs about such subjects.

I know. I know you do. I'm sorry. The question was intended to be a bit tongue-in-cheek...

So, I'll try to give a serious answer.

First, I had to look it up:

In Norse mythology, Valhalla (/vɑːlˈhɑːlɑː/;[1] from Old Norse Valhöll "hall of the slain")[2] is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those who die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr. In Valhalla, the dead join the masses of those who have died in combat, known as Einherjar, and various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök. Before the hall stands the golden tree Glasir, and the hall's ceiling is thatched with golden shields. Various creatures live around Valhalla, such as the stag Eikþyrnir and the goat Heiðrún, both described as standing atop Valhalla and consuming the foliage of the tree Læraðr.

Does Valhalla exist?
I voted NO.

As a Christian, I do believe in an after-life though I don't see any division for warriors who die in battle.
I'm unsure about purgatory, which would be a temporary state of purification, but that idea may not have any relation to the idea of Valhalla.

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:
I know. I know you do. I'm sorry. The question was intended to be a bit tongue-in-cheek...

Okay, thank you. As I must remind myself, sometimes it’s difficult to detect the intended tone of a question via the Internet.

I've only learned of this in recent times as it is used by Veterans of War from Desert Storm to date. Is this a product of our younger generation of Veterans ? I believe it is.