Indeed, an optimist will always find traces of a new beginning in the falsity of endings. So well expressed.

Richard has taken the time to reiterate what Christians believe and, of course many other spiritual fear of death solutions there are out there. Others being hatched by personality cults as we read your lines.

Yes, matter is matter or energy, depending upon its state. We "specks of dust" that you describe so well, are given a brain, fully developed, but relatively empty, when we are born. We then have a short time before we return to dust (basic elements) to make our mark on history of human thought.

Unfortunately, from early on, we are bombarded by rituals and good books, songs, and even poetry, to endear us to the particular spiritual belief of our parents. Generally, around becoming an adult, we often rebel against our parents' beliefs. That's okay, but it often results in returning later in life to the same old, well remembered platitudes.

Better, that we use the brains we were given to carefully think through and understand what the science tells us about our origins as sentient beings. And, making our own understanding that we have, at our disposal, all of the knowledge gathered before, new technologies that enable us to predict what will come in many ways, and the power to do something about it, whether it be small or large. If it is small, it is but a positive drop in the ocean of possibilities. If it is large, our fame will reside on the Wikipedia page of history, eons hence.

Our bodies may be gone, as well as our spirits, whatever that is, but these words that we write, whether relegated to the dusty shelves of the cloud or become part of the essence of future science. In time, the Bible will be revealed for what it is. A collection of wannabe wishes and forecasts for what our ancient ancestors wanted, basically having no relevance to the present.

Ron

Your thoughts give new meaning to stardust. I don't believe that matter ceases to exist. Our physical bodies die and return to what they were originally formed from. Our spirits are eternal. You used a fragment of something Jesus Christ said to support your premise. There's a context though that was muddled. Here's what Matthew 7:7 means:
ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU,
This is to be understood of asking of God in prayer, for such things as are wanting; whether of a temporal nature, as food and raiment, which Christ, in the former chapter, had warned against an immoderate and anxious concern for; or of a spiritual nature, as grace, and wisdom to behave in a proper manner, both towards God and men: and such, who ask according to the will of God, in the name of Christ, and under the direction, guidance, and influence of the Spirit, who ask in faith and fear, and with submission to the divine will, shall have what they ask for; not as what they deserve, but as a free gift.

SEEK, AND YE SHALL FIND
This is meant of prayer, and of seeking God the Creator, His face and favor: which men will find, who seek in a right way, by Christ, and with their whole hearts, diligently.

KNOCK AND IT SHALL BE OPENED UNTO YOU,
as beggars do, who use much importunity for relief and assistance. So men should stand and knock at the door of mercy, which will not always be shut against them. Faith in prayer is a key that opens this door, when a poor soul finds grace and mercy in time of need. Our Lord's design is to express the nature, fervor, and constancy of prayer, not intellectualizations, and to encourage it.

Your views are unique and very much arguable. Again, food for thought. Thanks for sharing. Regards... rlc