Would you say it is possible to have meaning sometime between now and the few billion years before the sun goes supernova? Even if it is just temporary?
Is it possible for a Christian to find meaning in something that does not include God?
Ken
Would you say it is possible to have meaning sometime between now and the few billion years before the sun goes supernova? Even if it is just temporary?
Ken
What does it mean to have purpose/meaning in one's life? Do you feel it is possible to have purpose or meaning in one's life outside religion?
Ken
I don't understand how one can claim a purpose in the example of the suffering child you mentioned. I can understand a belief in a reward after death, but a reward after death doesn't constitute purpose or meaning in life; would you agree?Sure, it is possible, I suppose. Anybody can choose to attach whatever meaning to whatever in their life they wish.
An atheist who enlists in the military during a time of war to serve her/his country, then gets shot on the battlefield and lays there bleeding to death, can take satisfaction in knowing, in the final moments before her/his death, that they did something meaningful for king and country with their life. I don't wish to take that away; such is incredibly noble. (And thank God for those people!!)
The problem, though, is what to make of the seemingly meaningless suffering in the world. Say, a very small Jewish child born during the Holocaust who knew nothing but cruelty and suffering until a young death that seemed to accomplish absolutely nothing whatsoever good in the world. Theistic religion claims to be able to attach meaning to this person's life as well. Their suffering was not in vain because they are to spend eternity in Paradise with God.
This illustrates a little the difference between the eternal vs. temporal "meaning" we're discussing... if that helps clear it up.
Peace
What's the difference between purpose and true/universasl purpose?There is a difference between purpose and true purpose. Anyone can say or find a purpose in life but the question that arises is what is the basis for one's purpose. Does it (purpose) come from oneself? If so, how is it that that person can say that it is a true (universal) purpose?
You have given us an excellent question Ken. Thanks
You are wrong. I see nothing in the Bible about going to hell for being a Jew. If the reward after death is eternal life, then the purpose of this life is to become a loving being able to related to the Loving Creator forever.I don't understand how one can claim a purpose in the example of the suffering child you mentioned. I can understand a belief in a reward after death, but a reward after death doesn't constitute purpose or meaning in life; would you agree?
K
PS Doesn't the bible teach the Holocaust victims are going to hell because they were of the wrong religion? Or am I wrong.
What's the difference between purpose and true/universasl purpose?
Ken
How about if you are Hindu? or Muslim? or Atheist? Do these people who don't accept Jesus as their savior get to go to heaven as well?You are wrong. I see nothing in the Bible about going to hell for being a Jew.
So you believe what you do in this life will be remembered in your next life in Heaven?If the reward after death is eternal life, then the purpose of this life is to become a loving being able to related to the Loving Creator forever.
So this goes back to what you said before about if you believe life is temporary, your purpose is temporary; if you believe you live forever, your purpose is forever. Right?I would say temporary purpose and purpose that is not temporary.
All mature adults have the same objective/purpose, but if a mature adult does not want that lofty obtainable objective/purpose, they sadly take a lower purpose in that they unwittingly help those that still might be willing to fulfill their object fulfill their objective.If purpose in your life means you have an overarching goal that guides everything you do, and the majority of what you do is geared towards accomplishing that goal, is it safe to assume most people dont have a purpose in life? I mean most people are happy going to work, raising their family, having friends, enjoying weekends and just living a happy life; do you agree?
Ken
Everybody on earth has the exact same purpose? And what would that be?All mature adults have the same objective/purpose,
Suppose they choose not to help?but if a mature adult does not want that lofty obtainable objective/purpose, they sadly take a lower purpose in that they unwittingly help those that still might be willing to fulfill their object fulfill their objective.
Speaking for myself, Im just happy being me. I dont need an over-arching goal that I have to build my life around, that guides my life. I am happy being free to do as I choose.God did not promise us a "happy life" in this earthly life, so what makes you think mature adults are "happy" not having a purpose?
God is not trying to get you to do something, but is trying to give you something.Everybody on earth has the exact same purpose? And what would that be?
Choosing not to help is help, for those that have not chose to accept or reject God's help. These people become part of the huge tragedy in this world that provides the best back drop for others to: see/experience/recieve/give/desire and grow Godly type Love.Suppose they choose not to help?
Well since only a small percentage of people actually worship your God that way, would you say most people dont have a purpose in their lives?God is not trying to get you to do something, but is trying to give you something.
That something is the most powerful force in all universes, since it is the force that compels God to do all He does.
Our objective while here on earth is to just humbly accept Gods gift as it was given, as pure charity.
Thus the objective is for man to be like God (that is also like Christ),
Why would you assume proof of your Gods existence would harm my life?That is your choice and God is not going to make your life while on earth debelitating by making Himself unquestionably known for you.
Ive had plenty of tragedies in my life. My reaction to tragedy is totally different than what you suggest.The problem is if we live long enough we will experience tragedies that will draw us to a benevolent creator if we allow these tragedies to do just that.
How about those who chose not to accept God's help and are living a happier and more fulfilling life than those who do accept his help? Aren't they more of a detriment than an asset to the cause?
Choosing not to help is help, for those that have not chose to accept or reject God's help. These people become part of the huge tragedy in this world that provides the best back drop for others to: see/experience/recieve/give/desire and grow Godly type Love.
Speaking for myself, Im just happy being me. I dont need an over-arching goal that I have to build my life around, that guides my life. I am happy being free to do as I choose.
Ken
How about if you are Hindu? or Muslim? or Atheist? Do these people who don't accept Jesus as their savior get to go to heaven as well?
So you believe what you do in this life will be remembered in your next life in Heaven?
Ken
So this goes back to what you said before about if you believe life is temporary, your purpose is temporary; if you believe you live forever, your purpose is forever. Right?
Ken
If they have no purpose left in their life they will not stay here on earth.Well since only a small percentage of people actually worship your God that way, would you say most people dont have a purpose in their lives?
Most atheists I have talked with have a perceived moral issue with the Christian God, so they are glad to believe the Christian God does not exist.Why would you assume proof of your Gods existence would harm my life?
Yes, I realize tragedies can either soften our hearts or harden our hearts. Have you seen it go both ways?Ive had plenty of tragedies in my life. My reaction to tragedy is totally different than what you suggest.
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