I wouldn't want to be an a-hole and scare them in their last few moments of life. That would really suck.

This would be a touchy subject and i'm suprised that many people that are religous have not been arguing this case. I would tell the child that heaven existed if thye previously believe in it. I wouldn't want to see the child die without hope, since that it is one major reason why people live.

This is an easy argument in favor of the debate question. Answer YES. Tell your child or any human being for that matter under any circumstance that there is a life after death, or a heaven if religious.

Religious argument: All positive belief systems have several characteristics in common. 1. To believe in a omniscient being 2. Adherence to or recognition of a code of conduct for moral behavior 3. That life is a continuance and has a purpose. One's human soul demands answers for its questions. The fact these questions can be asked indicates freedom of the soul and recognition of its existence in this universe. A child wants an answer to his/her question and often asks these questions at an early age, because they are self aware that they exist and acknowledge that there is a need to know and a need to obtain an answer that will help guide them going forward in their existence. Knowing or having a sense of existence and purpose brings joy and is to me a truism of nature.

Atheist argument : I am not an atheist, but have studied human secularist philosophy and would present a case in favor of the need to explain continuance of one's life after death to a child or and any other human being seeking an answer to this life question; 1. Neurological science provides evidence that the human brain is excited by neuron firing at the point of death (brain failure) and is supposedly the reason for mental images that imply out of body experiences or visitations by deceased family members etc. 2. Irrespective of culture, race or religion, the supposed reasoning behind this documented common experience is that the brain is designed to comfort the individual while the process of ceasing to exist is in the process. Somehow, this program has been handed down genetically, or by some coded method we are unsure of as an evolutionary step to maintain a form of order during the cessation experience. 3. The FACT that the human brain program takes over at the point of death to comfort the dying gives credence to the FACT that the human brain must ALSO be capable of comforting itself based on free will and choice PRIOR to the genetic triggered event. There is no distinction for the human conscience. As to when a response to the THE question should be given becomes irrelevant, the FACT it occurs at some stage in the time frame of mortality is the point in question, and a response to the question in favor OF some form of continuance follows the supposed evolutionary trigger.

The religious response makes far more sense. The thinking permeates 95% of the populations of the world. The remaining 5% in my opinion choose denial do not sufficiently consider the FACT that an individual conscience perceives this question by its very nature. This becomes a philosophical question that is poorly explained and limited by the natural constraints of modern scientific thought.

I'd tell them there was since if they're asking they obviously have already had the idea stuck in their head as a means of coping with death and making a kid confront reality on their death bed would be harsh.

Then I'd go find the person who put the idea in their head in the first place and punch them in the mouth for making me lie to a dying kid.

I would tell them that there was. Only if they previously believed in it, I wouldn't have the heart to tell them that the screen goes blank.

i would say there was a heaven for two reasons, one thats what i believe in. And two, because whether you believe in heaven or not, what if you told that child no and he goes to hell, you dont want to be responsible for that. So say yes for his sake not yours.

Im the most athiestic (is that a word?) athiest you'll ever meet (likely), but even I would not be a monster. Whatever makes them happy.

Well I would say that there is defenitely something nice waiting for them on the other side

Regardless of ones beliefs or who the child is, say “yes” and that they are going to it. A child should not die in fear and they are gullible so they will believe you. That’s all you can really say. A user did bring up that you could ask what they thought which I reckon is a acceptable alternative too