What is the meaning behind existence, in your view?

[JustHisKid]

What does worship do for the individual?

It fills a void. Because we were created to worship God, our hearts desire it.

 

[JustHisKid]

Well, if God didn't make the people, then the people wouldn't be at fault, so the root of the problem lies with God then.

That's one way to view it. On the other hand, people do have a choice to do good or evil. If they choose evil, that isn't God's fault.

 

[quatona]

To many Buddhists, for example.

Yes. Are you, by any chance, implying that Buddhists don´t exist?
If not so, the meaning behind non-existence is, as I said, only found in the frame of reference of existence.

 

[ananda]

It fills a void. Because we were created to worship God, our hearts desire it.

What is the void?

 

[ananda]

That's one way to view it. On the other hand, people do have a choice to do good or evil. If they choose evil, that isn't God's fault.

If you made a robot that could choose, and it did evil, would we be wrong to blame you?

Let's take a more concrete example. Car manufacturers are now programming their cars to detect other cars, objects, pedestrians, etc. to allow their cars to stop before hitting them. If the car does hit a pedestrian, do we blame the car, or the manufacturer?

 

[ananda]

Yes. Are you, by any chance, implying that Buddhists don´t exist?
If not so, the meaning behind non-existence is, as I said, only found in the frame of reference of existence.

No, Buddhists do exist, but are seeking after non-existence (according to the conventional frame of reference).

 

[JustHisKid]

What is the void?

We were created to worship God, and of we don't, there is a void.

 

[JustHisKid]

If you made a robot that could choose, and it did evil, would we be wrong to blame you?

Let's take a more concrete example. Car manufacturers are now programming their cars to detect other cars, objects, pedestrians, etc. to allow their cars to stop before hitting them. If the car does hit a pedestrian, do we blame the car, or the manufacturer?

Hey, you can blame God all you like, but I don't recommend it. Many people reject Him for the very reason you are describing.

 

[ananda]

We were created to worship God, and of we don't, there is a void.

What is the characteristics of that void - are we supposed to feel it?

 

[JustHisKid]

What is the characteristics of that void - are we supposed to feel it?

You will fill it with something else. It is simply a need. You will likely not recognize it.

 

[ananda]

You will fill it with something else. It is simply a need. You will likely not recognize it.

How is it a need for God if that void can be filled by other things?

 

[JustHisKid]

How is it a need for God if that void can be filled by other things?

It is not a need for God, it is a need for His creation because that is how He created us.

 

[ananda]

It is not a need for God, it is a need for His creation because that is how He created us.

so the meaning of existence is to need creation?

 

[Davian]

We were created to worship God, and of we don't, there is a void.

I fill mine with popcorn.

 

[Eudaimonist]

Isn't everyone in search of that which brings permanent joy?

No, not everyone.

Some people understand that permanent joy is not possible -- that life has its ups and downs, and will end in death -- and what they seek is joy (or at least peace of mind) for as long as they can manage, valuing it for what it is.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[quatona]

No, Buddhists do exist, but are seeking after non-existence (according to the conventional frame of reference).

They are doing it while existing. They obviously don´t when nothing exists.
We were discussing my statement: "Existence is a prerequisite for (there being) meaning."

 

[GrowingSmaller]

The meaing behind existence is simple. Rational attraction to being.

Ouches included.

 

[FullEnglishBrekkie]

?

First there was an event (as yet explained only by theory, e.g. "big bang"), that gave rise to natural consequences (expansion, cooling, chemical & physical reactions) and that eventually lead to the emergence of sentient life on this planet and I guess that's what you mean by "existence". Life forms developed a la evolution and led to the emergence of those that were able to reflect, consider and philosophise. Then "meaning" was sought and applied, and backdated to be the cause of existence rather than the result of it.

Some folk don't like to think that we are all here by accident and some don't mind that.

 

[JustHisKid]

so the meaning of existence is to need creation?

Am I really not being clear? The reason we exist is to please God.

 

[Eudaimonist]

Am I really not being clear? The reason we exist is to please God.

God is a hedonist?


eudaimonia,

Mark