However, there is no scientific basis to support the idea of dualism, which means the mind or consciousness does not carry on after death.
Instead, death is the final and permanent end of life after which a person’s “essence ceases to exist”.
Dr Lewis said: “But since humans are instinctive dualists, the idea of life after death makes complete sense to our intuitions.
“And that’s not the only reason why the belief comes so naturally to people.”
Believing in an afterlife could be seen as a coping mechanism for dealing with the finality of life.
source: express.co.uk