I think that the belief in an afterlife is sometimes harmful when it comes with the belief that we must "earn" an afterlife and that somehow we deserve reward or punishment for our actions. This relies heavily on free will belief but at the same time refutes it.

If someone is compelled to do something in this life because of their belief that it affects their next life, is this not an example of something they are forced to do our of fear or their trust in a promise of a reward? The point is that afterlife belief is a cause of other beliefs and actions. This is why it is relevant for me to know what others believe and why.

I have many reasons for not believing that there is a self/soul/spirit that survives death. Because of this, my actions are instead based on how they affect me and others now and in the future on this planet.