Hello Izen, let me answer you question head-on. As atheists like to assert, there is some grain of truth to the belief that life ends when one dies. Afterlife, resurrection, hell, heaven and other unprovable concepts are human creations that serve to alleviate the fear that humans have of death. There is no human on earth who does not fear his demise, no matter what religion he belongs to. So in order to reduce the anxiety we have of death, humans have to settle on supernatural phenomena, none of which can be proven by the scientific method. All religions tend to stress that it's their religion that will let you have an afterlife with less suffering. The scientific method is based on the following: 1. A hypothesis: Say for example, God exists. The idea that God exists can be taken as a hypothesis. So religion passes this test. 2. An observation: Here is where the idea that God exists fails. There has been no scientific evidence of the existence of God. 3. Test the hypothesis based on observation: Now the idea that God exists goes downhill. You cannot test what cannot be observed. 4. Theory after innumerable data have been collected: One cannot come up with a theory on something that has no scientific data. So in essence, God fails the Science test. As to the original question, suffering ends when one dies. Our duty on earth is to procreate and pass our genes to our posterity. That is the ultimate biological goal of every organism on the planet. So let me focus on life itself,as we atheists like to do. Suffering is therefore dependent on factors like: 1. One's health: A depressed individual will of course suffer more than a person who has a healthy mind. Depression can be psychological, and it could be one's own doing. A physically weak individual suffers more than an individual who is physically stronger. So exercising can lead to a less stressful life. Yoga, for example is a psychological exercise, while exercises in a gym is more physical. Both physical and psychological well-being need to be in sync for a stree-free life. 2. Sexual life: Sex has numerous effects to one's well-being. A good sexual life can effect one's physical and mental health as well. The idea that humans live to survive and pass on their genes ultimately means that a person who has failed to procreate is not fit to survive, as a result of which his life ends with no offsprings. He will of course suffer. 3. The type of life you lead: An individual who leads a violent life will of course suffer more than another who leads a comparatively serene and peaceful lifestyle. One who indulges in gang-related activities will probably suffer physical harm as well. Furthermore, somebody who commits murder, robbery, and incites people to kill each other will not only have to deal with physical threat, but will also have to live with guilt. 4. Your environment: If your parents are affluent, chances are that all your material needs might be met. On the flip side, your mental life *can* suffer. On the other hand, poor people will not have all the materials they desire, and they might have poor health. Statistics, however, seems to suggest that the indigent seem to be happier. So one should focus on the quality of life you lead rather than ponder on question that will always remain unanswered. One should strive to reduce one's suffering. The idea that God exists is a human creation, and fails the scientific test. So what purpose does it serve to delve on unprovable subjects?