If I may...
It is quite amazing to me, not only here, but in virtually every human endeavor... some will issue statements saying... this is how it is or that is how it is, etc. Is it really? Shall we blindly believe everything? How will that benefit?
Pronouncements of certainty, assuming clear understanding, aren't always what they claim to be. This phenomenon is not pequliar to religions. Don't think I'am picking on religions. I'am pointing out... pecularities of... mental processes and language. Those "on the path" perhaps shouldn't neglect a bit of housekeeping as well...
Example of a statement: For an airplane to take off, when the wheels are spinning as fast as the propellor, that is what it takes to fly. (I heard someone say they thought this when they were young) Really? What about airflow across an airfoil? What about Bernoulli's principle? (forgive my spelling) What about angle-of-attack? What about pounds of thrust?
And there are examples all around. Another example? At midnight on such and such a date, ghosts come out to haunt people. (I've heard children saying this) Really? That statement of "fact"... I mean, do ghosts have a calendar hanging on the wall at home so they know on which dates they are supposed to go to work?
But we humor children, so they don't have to face up to the cruel, harsh reality of life....
And, how about the adults? They get a pass? Children AND adults don't have to bother about facing facts? Interesting...
Simple statements... exceedingly complex affairs, yet so much certainty! THIS IS HOW IT IS!
If someone tells you to jump off a cliff because, have NO doubt, you can fly like a bird... will you jump? Hopefully not! And tell me that you are free to do what you want... I will still restrain you until you come to your senses! I care that you do not harm yourself!
The original question/statement... he doubts the existence of a diety altogether. But then he says... what is your view on reaching THE afterlife?... like that IS something which perhaps is not in doubt. Really? 100% no doubt? In my carefully considered opinion... We shall see. We shall see!
Afterlife? What of the truely eternal... NOW?
And, someone may ask... What are some characteristics of the afterlife? Someone else may answer, well there are angels and old family members and friends and a bright light and everyone is totally happy... whatever. Maybe the streets are paved with gold? Are there stop signs on the corner? Did the planning comission install streetlights or is it bright all the time? Do massive oil leaks ever happen there? Would the angel's wings get fouled with oil like a seagull? Is there heavenly music playing? What if it's rap music? Would you prefer classical?
It just goes on and on... do you understand?
There are some things which can be stated as fact and it is ok. Some other things... not so ok. When one believes in things they don't understand... suffering; subtle or otherwise, is the result. WE want unnecessary suffering to end, right?
It is the vast super-computer between our ears which constructs so much of our "reality"... Perhaps the mind could even convince someone they aren't breathing.... What do you think?
Give it a try and report back, please. I would be interested to hear of what you discover...
All a part of our journey... take from it what you will.