besides stubbornness and ego, there is also the 'investment' wrapped up in this issue.

When someone has spent basically their whole life believing something they have been taught in their home or culture, and especially when the issue of death and hope of an afterlife is also in that picture, it is not surprising that they just can't let it go, no matter how nonsensicle the beliefs may be.

Perhaps if they looked at other cultures and belief systems with different holy books, religions, scriptures, customs... and then asked themselves why those other religious beliefs could not be just as "true" as their own beliefs... maybe then?? Probably not. They just aren't willing to do that, and would rather continue in their own self-assuredness that they feel comfortable and justified in.