Question. What Is The Meaning Of Life?

[nailit]

Answer. There isnt one. This can be the only rational response.
There is no *ultimate* meaning, although we are all capable of making *a* meaning of our individual existance.

For some, such as christians and muslims, the meaning of life is to get themselves a place in paradise. But this doesnt answer the question, it only removes it a step. What then is the meaning of a life lived eternally?
For others who believe in reincarnation, the meaning is to become perfect/reach Nirvana/or whatever but doesnt answer the question. Again, it only removes it a step. What is the actual *meaning* of it all?

The only rational response to the big question must be there IS no ultimate meaning. Each and everyone of us are only here due to a chance meeting of a sperm meeting an egg.
We are born and then we die, like everything else in nature. A zebra's life has had no meaning when its been eaten alive by a lion. A tree's life has had no meaning when its been chopped down for firewood.
I totally fail to see why the religious cannot grasp a simple truth.

I would love to be proved wrong though.

[Mamyalynne]

You shouldn't be attacked for your thoughts,as long as it's clear that that is just what they are and not something you insist others adopt.

I often think that's where discussion breaks down - a lack of clarity.

[Theland]

The meaning of life for a Christian, is to try to become more like Jesus Christ, to be pleasing to Him, and by doing so, realise and enjoy life in all its fullness.

[SparklyKid]

Hi Theland, just curious, how do you please someone who died two thousand years ago.

[andy-hughes]

Theland - // The meaning of life for a Christian, is to try to become more like Jesus Christ, to be pleasing to Him, and by doing so, realise and enjoy life in all its fullness. //

Seems fair enough to me.

[andy-hughes]

SparklyKid - // Hi Theland, just curious, how do you please someone who died two thousand years ago.//

Even a confirmed atheist like me understands the Christian belief that Christ is not dead, but ascended directly into heaven and enjoys eternal life with God the father.

So maybe you are just on a wind up?

If so, that's not really fair - Theland is committed and sincere in his beliefs, and that should be respected.

[tamborine]

procreation & nurture

[SparklyKid]

Hi AH. No wind up intended. I just cannot get my round this belief thing.

[vulcan42]

\\ The meaning of life for a Christian, is to try to become more like Jesus Christ, to be pleasing to Him, and by doing so, realise and enjoy life in all its fullness.//

Most commendable Theland but there are millions on this earth who also enjoy life in all its fullness but do it without being a Christian or belong to any religion. Does this mean that a Christian enjoys life differently to other people?

[andy-hughes]

SparklyKid - // Hi AH. No wind up intended. I just cannot get my round this belief thing. //

Fair enough.

I am in the same position, but experience shows that asking a fervent Christian about faith is a bottomless pit of prevarication and a conversational cul-de-sac - best just not to bother.

Really.

[andy-hughes]

vulcan - // Does this mean that a Christian enjoys life differently to other people? //

I would suggest that everyone enjoys life in an individual way, and that people with faith are, by definition, going to enjoy it in a different way than people without faith.

Once again, long and tortuous experience of debating this subject on here has led me to this conclusion -

An atheist and a Christian debating is like a man talking with his dog - and each thinks the other is the dog.

[SparklyKid]

Okey dokey. The meaning of life for me is to love and respect family, friends and neighbours.

That is all I need for a happy and fulfilling life.

[Theland]

Sparklykid, years ago I shared your views.
I changed when I became convinced of the existence of God, and the truth of the gospel message.

[SparklyKid]

I am similarly convinced of the existence of fire breathing dragons from the harry potter novels.

Therefore, if you are right, so am I.

[Theland]

Ah! You extract the Michael.

[Mamyalynne]

Al are entitled to their beliefs, not all need to believe the same.

[Theland]

Very true Mamya.
The fire breathing dragons add to global warming.

[Mamyalynne]

*All - don't know who Al is :-)

Saves on central heating too.

[nailit]

//The meaning of life for a Christian, is to try to become more like Jesus Christ, to be pleasing to Him, and by doing so, realise and enjoy life in all its fullness//
And then what?
What would an eternal existence consist of? Telling God how great tho art?
Lifes 'meaning' (in a limited sense) only has the meaning that we give it.
What would be the point of watching a game of football that never ends? The meaning of it would be that its *temporal* and has an end in sight. Doing or being for ever has no meaning. Any meaning has to be tempory. And by extension, is meaningless...

[Atheist]

Theland 17:50. So you don't agree that Sparkly is right when he says, "The meaning of life for me is to love and respect family, friends and neighbours."? What's wrong with Sparkly's viewpoint? Sounds a bit like Jesus (apart from respecting family).

[Theland]

Atheist, no, on the face of it, there is nothing wrong with SKs account. It works for him, not me.