What Is The Point Of Eternal Life?

[nailit]

I just don't get this idea of eternal life. What is the 'POINT' of having eternal life?
Whether its living forever on a paradise Earth (JW doctrine), living forever in heaven (Christian doctrine), reincarnating endlessly (Eastern religious doctrine) or whatever.
Life is precious because it is finite, yes?
If it went on forever then it wouldn't have any value.
A football game only has 'meaning' because it has a start time and a finish time. If it went on ad infinitum it would be totally senseless.
Why is life any different? Leave aside Dawkins v religionists etc.
Can someone tell me, why life would be any different if we were to live eternally?
Just what would be the POINT???
What the hell would you DO for all eternity for one?

[Theland]

I think some of you believe eternal life means us just staying the same but for longer.
I think our souls being absorbed into God with an experience of eternal peace and joy is far more accurate than spending a long time learning new skills etc etc

[douglas9401]

It all sounds a bit beige. And ridiculous.

[woofgang]

Theland, Dorothy Sayers describes God as the original maker and we are said to made in the image of god, which makes us makers too. Makers don’t want to just be......that would be hell, we want to create, we need to create, its an essential part of god’s nature and therefore of ours.

[Theland]

I don't know the answer but believe it will be beyond amazing.

[vulcan42]

Theland, what has humans done throughout their time on this planet to deserve eternal life? We treat animals with contempt and seem to be on a course to destroy this world, which you believe was created for our benefit. We don't seem to have a good enough record to deserve anything. If your God was merciful we may have a chance but according to your beloved bible he's not.

[Theland]

God is merciful. Thank God. I need His mercy!

[fiveleaves]

What is the happiest you have ever been in life?
We probably could all remember experiences we could wish that lasted for ever.
Heaven is eternal fellowship with God. it will be everlasting joy and a life of infinite value. Utterly incomparable with what we have experienced on earth

[nailit]

//What is the happiest you have ever been in life?
We probably could all remember experiences we could wish that lasted for ever.
Heaven is eternal fellowship with God. it will be everlasting joy and a life of infinite value. Utterly incomparable with what we have experienced on earth//
If heaven is eternal fellowship with the war mongering, genocidal, child killing, psycho God of the Bible then I wish you all the best. An eternity with that fruitcake would be hell to me!
(But you probably havnt read the Bible)

[Theland]

God loves you so much He will give you what you want.
Hope you enjoy it.

[fiveleaves]

In answer to Nailit I have read the Bible, all of it.
You have criticised me in these threads of making assumption, and yet you happily make this assumption about it.

[naomi24]

Why would anyone want eternal fellowship with that God? Eternity is a long time! I can't think of anything less tempting. He was horrible.

[JimF]

Will heaven be full of Christians?

[nailit]

//God loves you so much He will give you what you want.
Hope you enjoy it//
Veiled threats and gloating. Typical religionist.

[hereIam]

I personally do not feel that eternity (or whatever it's called) has anything to do with God. It's a place where our spiritual bodies go after death. I often used to discuss this with Mum after Dad passed and we wondered what he did all day and how it compared with the life he had on earth. We were baffled of course (no-one will know until it happens to them), but we knew he was out there somewhere because of all the things that happened after his passing and I've recounted on here before about the message he left me when I realised I was losing Mum as well, and I asked him to send me one in my utter despair. I will never, ever, ever forget it. It helps get me through the grief of their losses and I know that one day I will be reunited with them. I can't help it if no-one believes me (nor do I care). I am happy in my knowledge.

[Peter Pedant]

// /What is the 'POINT' of having eternal life?//
So that in the 34th Century we will have achieved Brexit.

oh you optimist you !

yeah yeah - hay ! blessed are the optimists, as they will achieve Brexit!
Note [for the 80% Abers non-cognisants n all dem - dat bit from Bible]

/What is the 'POINT' of having eternal life?//

erm so that you dont die ?
there are days where I wake up and know that I just WON'T be in step wiv mosta da ABers....

[naomi24]

HereIam, good for you – and I mean that. How much kinder your way – than the other way. That God doesn’t know the meaning of love. x

[Mamyalynne]

HereIam, your view is very close to mine - the concept of eternal life is different for everyone and I think your description is true for many.

[Spicerack]

Probably more attractive when the average life expectancy was 15 and death lingered around every corner. + people didn't have time to overthink everything.

[Baldric]

I would respectfully suggest that there are a number of ABers who could benefit from therapy due to what appears to be an obsession with religion and related topics.

[Spicerack]

Being reunited with loved ones who died must have been a big plus too.