Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Clarice O'C · 11-12-2005, 03:56 PM

In the thread, 'Arguments for a Seminary Paper,' Andy triggered my interest in discussing the meaning(s) of life, or 'in' life when he said, "I'm taking a seminary apologetics class and am writing a paper on my own personalized case for Christianity. ... It's a Protestant school, and I don't necessarily expect to be a pastor either; more likely some kinda theology teacher." What he said led me to a guess that he's searching for meaning in his life.

Xian and other religions seem to find the meaning of life to be death, i.e., earning life after death as a reward for who knows what--believing? At least that appears to be the most important objective. I'm wondering what Atheists and Agnostics say to the question. It's not something I've thought much about, but maybe should. Offhand, I'd like to see some sign that suffering in general is lessening or will someday and that I've helped a little with that. But, taking an overview of history, suffering doesn't seem to be weakening such as poverty, oppression, physical crimes against others, torture; people harming people in the myriad of ways that they do seems the same now as was way back in history. Still, doing one's bit in life would give it meaning.

What do you say about meaning in life? There must be many different answers. Thanks.

NewtonPooton · 11-12-2005, 04:26 PM

i say there is no "meaning" in life... not one givin to us by someone/thing else...
my meaning/purpose is my own and no one elses. that's the only meaning there is, in my opinion. and for you, your purpose or whatever should be the only one...
maybe that's a bit selfish? who cares.

Alethias · 11-12-2005, 04:29 PM

42

Seriously, I find meaning in relationships with those I love, in exploration of knowledge/truth, in doing what I can to reduce suffering and increase happiness in those around me.

SoT

Ryzo · 11-12-2005, 04:35 PM

The meaning of life is that there is no inherent meaning. The only meaning there is in life is what an individual decides should have meaning. Whether that's your friends, religion, career, or cheese it doesn't matter.

FarmMama · 11-12-2005, 04:49 PM

I agree with what's been said so far. Life is what you choose to make of it and I assign "meaning" to it based on my own criteria which I don't judge against what others may assign to theirs.

Stumpjumper · 11-12-2005, 05:24 PM

Xian and other religions seem to find the meaning of life to be death, i.e., earning life after death as a reward for who knows what--believing? At least that appears to be the most important objective.

Just so you know you are breaking with many, if not most, Christians on that statement.

Sure you might have some Calvinists and the RR crowd that will agree with that statement but many other Christians do focus on this life and realize that the Kingdom of God can be found within as Jesus taught in Luke 17:21.

So, appearances can be deceiving and there are many Christians that do not understand that as well.

King Rat · 11-12-2005, 05:27 PM

To live.

Clarice O'C · 11-12-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by singletrack1

Xian and other religions seem to find the meaning of life to be death, i.e., earning life after death as a reward for who knows what--believing? At least that appears to be the most important objective.

Just so you know you are breaking with many, if not most, Christians on that statement.

Sure you might have some Calvinists and the RR crowd that will agree with that statement but many other Christians do focus on this life and realize that the Kingdom of God can be found within as Jesus taught in Luke 17:21.

So, appearances can be deceiving and there are many Christians that do not understand that as well.

Luke 17:21 -- nor will they say, 'Lo, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you.

I apologize, but I'm not understanding. Are you equating 'heaven' as life after death with 'the Kingdom of God?' If so, you're saying that heaven is now for some xians? I used to believe that.

breathilizer · 11-12-2005, 06:46 PM

Life (n) The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism.

Jenn6162 · 11-12-2005, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by singletrack1

Xian and other religions seem to find the meaning of life to be death, i.e., earning life after death as a reward for who knows what--believing? At least that appears to be the most important objective.

Just so you know you are breaking with many, if not most, Christians on that statement.

Sure you might have some Calvinists and the RR crowd that will agree with that statement but many other Christians do focus on this life and realize that the Kingdom of God can be found within as Jesus taught in Luke 17:21.

So, appearances can be deceiving and there are many Christians that do not understand that as well.

Not trying to be argumentative, but I would probably be characterized as part of that RR crowd and I would not consider the meaning of life to be death at all.

I think the meaning of life is what we choose to make it. I love children. My meaning of life is to help sick kids and heal them. I love my family. I think death is something we all just have to expect to deal with. I certainly don't look forward to it. I like to think everyone's goal in life would be to help others and attain happiness, then live happily ever after.

11-12-2005, 03:56 PM	#1
Clarice O'C Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 408	Meaning of Life In the thread, 'Arguments for a Seminary Paper,' Andy triggered my interest in discussing the meaning(s) of life, or 'in' life when he said, "I'm taking a seminary apologetics class and am writing a paper on my own personalized case for Christianity. ... It's a Protestant school, and I don't necessarily expect to be a pastor either; more likely some kinda theology teacher." What he said led me to a guess that he's searching for meaning in his life. Xian and other religions seem to find the meaning of life to be death, i.e., earning life after death as a reward for who knows what--believing? At least that appears to be the most important objective. I'm wondering what Atheists and Agnostics say to the question. It's not something I've thought much about, but maybe should. Offhand, I'd like to see some sign that suffering in general is lessening or will someday and that I've helped a little with that. But, taking an overview of history, suffering doesn't seem to be weakening such as poverty, oppression, physical crimes against others, torture; people harming people in the myriad of ways that they do seems the same now as was way back in history. Still, doing one's bit in life would give it meaning. What do you say about meaning in life? There must be many different answers. Thanks.

11-12-2005, 05:27 PM	#7
King Rat Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 6,855	Pithy, but true... To live.

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11-12-2005, 04:26 PM	#2
NewtonPooton Regular Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hot Springs, Ar Posts: 185	i say there is no "meaning" in life... not one givin to us by someone/thing else... my meaning/purpose is my own and no one elses. that's the only meaning there is, in my opinion. and for you, your purpose or whatever should be the only one... maybe that's a bit selfish? who cares.

11-12-2005, 04:29 PM	#3
Alethias Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 7,198	42 Seriously, I find meaning in relationships with those I love, in exploration of knowledge/truth, in doing what I can to reduce suffering and increase happiness in those around me. SoT

11-12-2005, 04:35 PM	#4
Ryzo Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: U.S., N.C Posts: 465	The meaning of life is that there is no inherent meaning. The only meaning there is in life is what an individual decides should have meaning. Whether that's your friends, religion, career, or cheese it doesn't matter.

11-12-2005, 04:49 PM	#5
FarmMama Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 2,086	I agree with what's been said so far. Life is what you choose to make of it and I assign "meaning" to it based on my own criteria which I don't judge against what others may assign to theirs.

11-12-2005, 05:24 PM	#6
Stumpjumper Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The general vicinity of Philadelphia Posts: 4,734	Xian and other religions seem to find the meaning of life to be death, i.e., earning life after death as a reward for who knows what--believing? At least that appears to be the most important objective. Just so you know you are breaking with many, if not most, Christians on that statement. Sure you might have some Calvinists and the RR crowd that will agree with that statement but many other Christians do focus on this life and realize that the Kingdom of God can be found within as Jesus taught in Luke 17:21. So, appearances can be deceiving and there are many Christians that do not understand that as well.

11-12-2005, 06:46 PM	#9
breathilizer Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,090	Life (n) The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism.

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