Do Gen Zs still believe in the afterlife?

FOR generations, individuals have been fascinated by the concept of the afterlife. It embodies our most profound fears, hopes, and questions about existence, mortality, and meaning. 

The afterlife, which is a central part of many faiths, philosophies, and cultures, acts as a prism through which mankind strives to understand the essence of existence in a variety of ways. 

Most of us hold unique beliefs regarding the hereafter, seeing it as a continuation of our spiritual path. While many highlight the connection, others see death as a transition rather than the end of life.

Is the concept of an afterlife still widely believed in today’s society? Or is the said idea already a thought from the past? Let’s hear the perspectives of numerous Generation Zs in an interview with republicasia. 

Do Gen Zs believe?

In today’s society, ideas regarding the hereafter are becoming more diverse, reflecting individualism and the merging of various cultural and spiritual traditions. 

In an interview with republicasia, 23-year-old Ian Capati, who has a strong religious connection, stated that he believes in the concept of an afterlife. For him, the afterlife is a sacred belief in his religion.

“Yes, as a Catholic, I deeply believe in the afterlife. This belief comes from the teachings of the Bible, where Jesus speaks of eternal life and the resurrection,” Capati said.

“The resurrection of Christ is at the heart of our faith, offering hope that death isn’t the end but a gateway to something more beautiful—a life with God that lasts forever,” he added.

Kaitlin Kibtiani, on the other hand, believes in the idea of a hereafter. However, she sees it from a different perspective than most religious people do.

“I don’t really visualize the afterlife as going to heaven if you were a good person and going to hell if you were a bad one, rather, I see it as being reincarnated into a different form of living thing in your next life,” she said.

“I got this idea from reading conspiracy theories and I don’t see anything wrong in believing in it, especially considering that many people believe in the concept of heaven and hell as well,” she added.

A constant thought

The thought of the afterlife frequently crosses the minds of these Gen Zs. Kibtiani frequently finds herself thinking about what happens after an individual’s death.

“I often think about what happens after death. Sometimes it’s a mix of fear about the possibility of hell and also the idea that in my next life I could be a cat. But most of the time, I ponder on how I have lived my life,” she said.

“I think about how my actions could cause my “reincarnation.” Sometimes I think that maybe I’ve lived several lives already, but all these memories have been wiped out every time I pass and get reincarnated.”

“At times, I even wish that when I pass, I hope to still remember this life even if I get reincarnated as a cat or a plant,” she added.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old medical office administrator Reymond Santos says, “I really think of what happens after death, especially for those who are already nearing the end of the line,“ he remarked.

“I always think if it’s just a black void where it just feels like an eternal sleep, what the consciousness thinks of during the last few seconds of life, what do they even see after death, and so much more.”

“Honestly, those are scary thoughts, it is very unpredictable and no one really knows what happens afterwards,” he added. “A lot of patients whom I’ve spoken to are also wondering the same thing.”

It’s a reminder for Gen Zs

The concept of an afterlife may be fascinating and leaves us with questions about reality, but these Gen Zs see it as a lesson to appreciate life and treat everyone with respect.

“In its entirety, the concept of an afterlife makes living more interesting and exciting, in a way, it allows us to appreciate what we have at the moment because we might not have it in our next life,” Kibtiani said.

“It’s a reminder that our actions have eternal meaning and that life’s ultimate purpose is to know, love, and serve God, with the hope of being with Him in Heaven,” Capati said. “This belief offers me hope during difficult times.”

“Reassuring me that there’s a greater plan beyond this world. It encourages me to live with kindness and forgiveness, knowing that this life is just the beginning of a much larger story,” Capati explained.

The afterlife is still a fascinating topic that elicits a wide range of beliefs. The afterlife influences our perspective of existence and morality, regardless of whether we look at it through the prism of traditions, religion, or philosophy. 

In the end, these ideas reflect humanity’s search for meaning in the face of death, directing how we live and interact in this world.