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What is the meaning of life? What is our purpose? Why are we here? Is everything purely religion? Or was our existence just a massive chance and we should consider ourselves very lucky to be here? Discuss... If you have an opinion please don't try and force/persuade it on someone.
The answer is quite obvious. There really is only one thing it could possibly be: 42 ...of course, that still leaves finding the rest of the question...
Meh, this thread is one of those these people argue and become enemies because of their different belief, but in my opion God created man iin his own image, no stupid big bang, fire balls of doom burn things, not make living things, but just tio make things clear Christains in their belief know how the world started and will end Atheist dont know how for sure, or how the world will end So i mean, I'm for the Christain side, I used to be Aethiest myself, but after really seeing their ideas explained to me compared to the big bang theory or evolution, it makes a lot of more sense, I mean i cant explain it scientifically, but then again, Christianity isnt based on science, but more of faith and experiences. I dont want anyone to relate to my post unless your making a positive comment, not because I dont want to argue, but because I dont want this thread to become a flame thread and be closed, I just wanted to state my opinion like gamemodding said to.
The meaning of life is to continue to live. The way you can arrive at this is by looking at the most basic parts that all life has in common. Survival. To allow the species to thrive and prosper is the only real reason life exists in the first place, and why all life is driven toward that purpose. What would be the use of existing if we were to just die out? Therefor, in order to prevent that, we must sustain the species as long as possible. To that effect, the only reason we live is to ensure our survival. Life does not have any real greater purpose, even if you include the worship of a god. If that were the greater purpose, rather than an extra, we would have developed as mindless automatons The purpose of life has nothing to do with religion. Religion is simply our way of interpreting the will of God. I'm Roman Catholic, and even I can understand that.(Heck, I also believe in evolution and the big bang, and it's not so exclusive of God as people would like you to believe).
Topics like these really gets my blood boiling but instead of starting a flame war (like I did before), I will just say that I completely agree with AoBfrost.
AoBfrost wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 09:10 Meh, this thread is one of those these people argue and become enemies because of their different belief, but in my opion God created man iin his own image, no stupid big bang, fire balls of doom burn things, not make living things, but just tio make things clear Christains in their belief know how the world started and will end Atheist dont know how for sure, or how the world will end So i mean, I'm for the Christain side, I used to be Aethiest myself, but after really seeing their ideas explained to me compared to the big bang theory or evolution, it makes a lot of more sense, I mean i cant explain it scientifically, but then again, Christianity isnt based on science, but more of faith and experiences. I dont want anyone to relate to my post unless your making a positive comment, not because I dont want to argue, but because I dont want this thread to become a flame thread and be closed, I just wanted to state my opinion like gamemodding said to. i dont see why people cant believe in both? i personally am a catholic however i believe that God created the universe THOUGH the big bang. and about 7 days.... there was no such thing as a day back then, therefore a day could of been any ammount of time in this mordern day n age.. theres no denying that the big bang happened, but that dousnt mean it proves anybody religion wrong/incorrect?
God damn, warranto hit it on the head - it's all about living and continuing to live and evolve (through offspring). Religion imo is just a load of bollocks people use to supply answers to questions that cannot be answered. Trying to deny evolution and upholding the theory of creation just seems completely bizarre to me - there is no EVIDENCE for creation, only a belief, that as I see it comes purely from humans. Evolution on the other hand has such an overwhelming wealth of evidence it can only be denied by people who hold beliefs and therefor close themselves off to ideas. It is my opinion that evolution demonstrates the purpose of life to be to survive and improve yourself nothing more.
Well, you see theres a problem, I'm not aiming toward any of you individuals, but I say that if you belive that you are truley catholic/christain then why believe in the big bang when they contradict what you claim you are, if your truley christain/catholic then you belive God made you , and not the way crap science brings out today, all of these big bang theory's are just taught in schools because some dont want to learn about creation, so then others who might want to are disabled from the ability to learn about it, teaching only 1 veiwpoint in school is what then make kids believe thats how the world started, schools today dont even give the chance to teach creationism anymore, I think schools should have 2 science classes during the time when they teach about evolution, 1 for evolution and 1 for creationism.
I don't think the notion of "meaning" applies to life in a larger context.
AoBfrost wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 11:39 I think schools should have 2 science classes during the time when they teach about evolution, 1 for evolution and 1 for creationism. They can learn about creationism in religion class because it's not science. edit: sorry for the double post, two people posted while I was writing my first post
There is no good explanation of what the meaning of life is. Do we exist by chance? Are we the pawns of something bigger than us? Either way, I guess we can all agree that life has a way of throwing you through loops constantly in a never ending roller coaster of annoyances and disappointments. Life sucks. You just have to find the good in it more often than not. I know I have to right now, and it isn't easy... by any means.
AoBfrost wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 11:39 Well, you see theres a problem, I'm not aiming toward any of you individuals, but I say that if you belive that you are truley catholic/christain then why believe in the big bang when they contradict what you claim you are, if your truley christain/catholic then you belive God made you , and not the way crap science brings out today, all of these big bang theory's are just taught in schools because some dont want to learn about creation, so then others who might want to are disabled from the ability to learn about it, teaching only 1 veiwpoint in school is what then make kids believe thats how the world started, schools today dont even give the chance to teach creationism anymore, I think schools should have 2 science classes during the time when they teach about evolution, 1 for evolution and 1 for creationism. Flying spaghetti monsters anyone? The problem is that if you choose to believe in a god/religion you shouldn't be forced to believe every single part of it, science allows for ideas and theories that are not set in stone - a scientist is happy to be proven wrong and theories such as darwins theory of evolution are being modified all the time to include new evidence and become as accurate as possible. Creation can be taught in schools as part of religous education, it CANNOT be taught in the same way as evolution because it has no scientific basis only belief that is down to each individual. creationism isn't a science, there is no evidence. evolution is supported every step of the way from fossil records, comparison of species living today, microbiology, embryoligy and many other sciences.
Well, when i meant a science class, I meant more like the choice of which they want to learn of how the earth was made, creation or bigband/evolution, stating it as science class just meant sitting in one rather than the other during the normal class time. Evolution isnt fully supported like you claim, sure it seems to make sense, but theres always missing species to complete this and that step, such as where are the mising links? No one has ever found one, if one was found, evolution would be more reputable, but i for one just take it as knowledge, but not belief. You cant go back in time for have text to show evolution is real, but the christains and catholics have text in which they believe is true, so like i said, we have evidence of evolution, which may make it true, while christains have their own faith and belief which also adds to show how the world may have been made, I'm not saying "I'm right, your wrong" but I am just stating what i believe is to be true. You say choosing to belive in religion doesnt mean you must belive it all, but if you truley say your christain/catholic then obviously you do belive everything your religion has to offer you, or else you wouldnt call yourself these things, you'd be more of a person who doesnt belive, yet has family/goes to church that is christain/catholic.
MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 11:50 AoBfrost wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 11:39 Well, you see theres a problem, I'm not aiming toward any of you individuals, but I say that if you belive that you are truley catholic/christain then why believe in the big bang when they contradict what you claim you are, if your truley christain/catholic then you belive God made you , and not the way crap science brings out today, all of these big bang theory's are just taught in schools because some dont want to learn about creation, so then others who might want to are disabled from the ability to learn about it, teaching only 1 veiwpoint in school is what then make kids believe thats how the world started, schools today dont even give the chance to teach creationism anymore, I think schools should have 2 science classes during the time when they teach about evolution, 1 for evolution and 1 for creationism. Flying spaghetti monsters anyone? The problem is that if you choose to believe in a god/religion you shouldn't be forced to believe every single part of it, science allows for ideas and theories that are not set in stone - a scientist is happy to be proven wrong and theories such as darwins theory of evolution are being modified all the time to include new evidence and become as accurate as possible. Creation can be taught in schools as part of religous education, it CANNOT be taught in the same way as evolution because it has no scientific basis only belief that is down to each individual. creationism isn't a science, there is no evidence. evolution is supported every step of the way from fossil records, comparison of species living today, microbiology, embryoligy and many other sciences. Creationism is a farce. Science has given us a pretty accurate indication of what really has happened over the course of the universe's several billion year old existence. I believe a higher being put it into motion, though. I'm not sure it's the Christian god, anymore. I know that there's something higher. There's too many signs of intelligent design. I'm still considering myself a Christian, but I have a lot of thinking to do on the subject to be sure.
hey guys, not to back out or anything, but I think we all need to stop posting in this thread and let others post their opinion, gamemodding wanted this to be a fun share your idea thread, but I think we all contributed and pushed this thread into more of a debate which caused others to not post, so with that said, I will no longer post here, just so the topic can go back to it's original purpose. AoBfrost
AoBfrost wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 08:59 Well, when i meant a science class, I meant more like the choice of which they want to learn of how the earth was made, creation or bigband/evolution, stating it as science class just meant sitting in one rather than the other during the normal class time. Evolution isnt fully supported like you claim, sure it seems to make sense, but theres always missing species to complete this and that step, such as where are the mising links? No one has ever found one, if one was found, evolution would be more reputable, but i for one just take it as knowledge, but not belief. You cant go back in time for have text to show evolution is real, but the christains and catholics have text in which they believe is true, so like i said, we have evidence of evolution, which may make it true, while christains have their own faith and belief which also adds to show how the world may have been made, I'm not saying "I'm right, your wrong" but I am just stating what i believe is to be true. You say choosing to belive in religion doesnt mean you must belive it all, but if you truley say your christain/catholic then obviously you do belive everything your religion has to offer you, or else you wouldnt call yourself these things, you'd be more of a person who doesnt belive, yet has family/goes to church that is christain/catholic. Nice class - God did it, the end. Evolution is infinately more complicated. Also you are forgetting the other options, from your argument any alternative theories (such as flying spaghetti monsterism) should also be taught at schools? Not forgetting that to do that would require more classrooms, teachers and tbh most kids would take the easy option just because they would get 100% on the creationism exam. What missing links? everything that forms part of the theory of evolution is by it's very nature supported by huge scientific evidence. If you are reffering to the evoloution of humans current evidence suggests that we split off the evoloutionary ladder from chimps/bonobos only around 5 million years ago (so although we are 98-99% genetically similar we are not evolved FROM chimps). There are records of various extinct primates, the one believed to be out closest relative is detailed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australopithecus Evolution is NOT belief, or else it couldn't be adapted. You canot physically go back in time, but you can look at evidence of life in the past and embryoligy demonstrates evolution - did you know that as an embryo develops it looks the same as all the rest (a ball shaped blastula followed by gastrula - believed to be the form of the earliest multicellular life, other evidence supports this) as the embryo develops it starts to differentiate following evolution as shown: The most basic animals are on the left, you can see how they are all similar at the ealier stages and that groups of animals (fish, reptiles & birds, mammals) all look similar at the second stage before developing the diversity brought about by evolution. A book (however important) written without evidence does not simply become evidence. Quote: then obviously you do belive everything your religion has to offer you why obviously - many people consider themselves to be a follower of a religion but choose to make their own mind up on certain things based upon their own experience and evidence.
Of all places to ask a heavy question, you chose the Renegade forums LOL! Alright, lets throw another crazy man's opinions into this thread, shall we? I grew up Christian (non-denominational, which basically means 'generic'). I went to church every single sunday of my entire childhood - my dad was an elder of the church - and I was forced to wear a tie every week or I'd get in trouble. That's how religious I was, just to build some imagery. After I grew up a little, went into the military and got exposed to more cultures and beliefs, starting learning more about myself, etc. my views started changing. I didn't want to be ignorant, so I felt it would be in my best interest to consider all options equally: a sort of fresh start. It wasn't until I was about 22yrs old or so when I met my fiancee -- who ironically happened to be Wiccan. (Imagine our debates!) After years and years of thought and deliberation with my fiancee, we've both come to an acceptance of a slightly modified view of how I grew up and this is what it is.........and this is what *I* believe to be true: I believe that there is one God, that it is the Christian God, that it is a trinity, and that Jesus was sent to save us from eternal damnation. That core Christian belief aside, I'm a very strange Christian........because I think that a lot of the Bible is exagerated or symbolic rather than literal, and I think a lot may have been lost in translations or when it was pieced together over the years. I believe that the forces of nature (things like karma, survival of the fittest, evolution, etc.) are very real and are a part of our world whether the Christian Bible discusses it or not. I think there are a LOT of invisible forces surrounding our species and planet(s) that we don't know about and may quite possibly never know about. I also believe that it was probably designed this way. The purpose of life? I can agree to "exist" - but from a Christian standpoint it's also to 'Serve the Lord's will'. I can see how people say that the sole purpose is to survive and/or evolve, but consider the fact that our minds are linear in regards to time ..... and so we see one event coming before the other and no other explaination. When life as we know it was first "created" (or as some believe, "spontaneously realized"), SOMETHING had to be the catalyst. Even science will confirm that to this day. We just don't know what. And I sure as hell am not going to insist that I know (other than what my faith in my religion tells me). To take it one step further and expand on this topic, I think people need to start being a little more tolerant of other religions. There is so much hate in this world because of what other people believe. Take, for example, Christianity who spazzes out on people who don't convert and flood them with "you're going to burn in hell" propoganda. I know that Christianity says that you should try to 'save the lost' ... but I do not think its right to do anything more than 'plant the seed'. If they don't believe, who cares? You did your part - so stop flooding the seed with so much damn water. Anyway, that's how I see things --and I conveniently broke things into nice proper paragraphs so people could quote and comment as desired.
Mex, you posted while I was posting - so I'd like to throw in there that although I *DO* believe in evolution, I don't think that humans evolved from bacteria or at the end of an evolutionary chain. I believe that they were an independent evolutionary chain.
AoBfrost wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 10:39 Well, you see theres a problem, I'm not aiming toward any of you individuals, but I say that if you belive that you are truley catholic/christain then why believe in the big bang when they contradict what you claim you are, if your truley christain/catholic then you belive God made you , and not the way crap science brings out today, all of these big bang theory's are just taught in schools because some dont want to learn about creation, so then others who might want to are disabled from the ability to learn about it, teaching only 1 veiwpoint in school is what then make kids believe thats how the world started, schools today dont even give the chance to teach creationism anymore, I think schools should have 2 science classes during the time when they teach about evolution, 1 for evolution and 1 for creationism. read my post... please explain to me how science + creationism contradict? they completely help each other God CREATED everything we see today THOUGH the big bang. and about 7 days... a day is how long the earth takes to spin around once? however.. as there was no earth at this time, how exactly long was a day back then? it could be ample ammount of time
Quote: please explain to me how science + creationism contradict? they completely help each other Science requires evidence. Creationism requires belief. Quote: SOMETHING had to be the catalyst. Even science will confirm that to this day. We just don't know what. Scientific evidence at the moment points to on single occurance that produced basic amino acids, sugars fatty acids and nucleic acid bases (monomers - the basic building blocks of all life) - by recreating the conditions thought to exist on earth at the time and passing an electrical current through (to simulate an electrical storm that would have been common in that time period) it has been possible to create these monomers from inorganic material. The amino acids produced are random and not all of the possible combinations - however ALL life on the planet contains the same set of amino acids (hence the reasoning that life evolved from this point) other amino acids have been discovered off of the planet. Quote: To take it one step further and expand on this topic, I think people need to start being a little more tolerant of other religions. rAMEN - half the reason I dislike religion is because of the extent it is used as an excuse for humans to commit horrific acts - this control of religion and links to whoever was in power at the time throughout history is another reason why I personally cannot trust the teachings of any religion.
To begin, I devoted myself to Christ this year. Therefore I'm a Christian. To begin my lack of faith on the Big Bang: Scientists all agree that an equivalent exchange of matter is the only way something can form correct? How in the world then can you explain a monumental explosion happening for no reason caused by nothing then? For that matter, how can you explain the creation of the nothingness of space prior to the Big Bang? Creationism and Religion: MexPirate stated that there is no evidence to the basis of Christianity. I disagree, you see there is historical records of religion. These are ancient testimonials that perhaps millions of people read everyday. You see the Bible in my eyes is evidence because it was written by several men over the course of centuries. It's a collection of books with authors that had the word of God spoken to them. What would be the gain in creating this literature? None that is foreseeable, save for the fact that religion could be used to control the masses on a spiritual level. That makes no sense in the case of Christianity though Christianity is the belief that the Lord Jesus sacrificed himself in order to pay for our sins. My church teaches that you go to Heaven by having belief that Christ died for your sins, and the degree of your reward is based on the time you spent on Earth. Therefore, my purpose for living is to ensure my eternal salvation, and the degree of the reward that follows. For more information consult the Books of Luke and Revelations in the New Testament. They depict how your name can be added to "The Book of Life." Evolution: There is nothing in the Bible that states that Evolution is false, even in the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. The Book of Genesis doesn't even give any evidence to where the Garden of Eden was, therefore one could surmise that it very well have been the entire earth for all we know. Also, time to God may be different from that of man. Therefore a day to him could very well be Thousands upon millions of years to us (That is not a Church teaching, that is my own inference.). It is a well known fact that Micro-Evolution is true. Even the most devout religious types must see that or they're far too blinded by explicit words. There have been studies done with Salamanders in California that back this argument up. Although I find myself sourceless, I can explain this process from a lecture I heard in a college-level biology course: A species of Salamanders had its population split on opposite sides of a valley. They had repeatedly mated and passed genes from one generation to another. When the two divisions of Salamanders re-merged in terms of area at the end of the valley, the two were unable to mate with each other. They had formed an entirely new species. What is the meaning of life? To be honest, man will never know. It's far too above our heads to comprehend. We're like cats in front of a closed door. We know that it opens, we just can't do it for ourselves.
If people want to create yet another Science vs. Religion debate, please create a new thread. Keep this one to the meaning of life, etc. as the topic creator initially asked.
gbull wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 14:12 How in the world then can you explain a monumental explosion happening for no reason caused by nothing then? For that matter, how can you explain the creation of the nothingness of space prior to the Big Bang? I do not believe anyone can, this is one of many questions that science will never be able to answer - personally I feel that puts a black whole over what caused the big bang not the theory itself. Quote: MexPirate stated that there is no evidence to the basis of Christianity. I disagree, you see there is historical records of religion. These are ancient testimonials that perhaps millions of people read everyday. You see the Bible in my eyes is evidence because it was written by several men over the course of centuries. It's a collection of books with authors that had the word of God spoken to them. What would be the gain in creating this literature? None that is foreseeable, save for the fact that religion could be used to control the masses on a spiritual level. That makes no sense in the case of Christianity though I think I said no evidence for creationism/intelligent design but either way a scientist would argue that those historical records have been created by humans (and kept under the control of humans for many years) If someone was to say that God spoke to them today, nobody would believe them and their is no EVIDENCE to proove that God did in fact speak to them other than their written word. Add in the fact that these books will have been translated added to and edited many times by humans. Of course this doesn't disprove anything written in them, it just means SCIENTIFICALLY they cannot be relied on as EVIDENCE. Quote: My church teaches that you go to Heaven by having belief that Christ died for your sins, and the degree of your reward is based on the time you spent on Earth. Therefore, my purpose for living is to ensure my eternal salvation, and the degree of the reward that follows. This is something that above all else seems most "un-christian" to me. On that basis the following groups of people would be excluded from heaven: stillborn babies, athiests who spend their entire life doing charitable work, poor uneducated people who are never taught about christianity, anyone out of the billions of people born before christ. But a 100 year old convicted murderer, rapist and paedophile would get in with a big reward as long as he acknowledged jesus and christianity before his death. It strikes me that this concept encourages people to spread the word and save people by teaching them about christianity, something that has obvious benefits for the religion. Quote: There is nothing in the Bible that states that Evolution is false I think almost universally religions accept that natural selection exists - it can be seen today and the continual evolution of life is supported by pretty much everyone. The divide comes in as to the origin of species and planet - many people are not comfortable with or refuse to believe that humans evolved from the same place as everything else. P.S. It is not my intention to offend, evolution forms tha backbone of the degree I am currently studying for, I am stating my views and I am always keen to be challenged and hear alternative theories (and then debate them ).
Quote: This is something that above all else seems most "un-christian" to me. On that basis the following groups of people would be excluded from heaven: stillborn babies, athiests who spend their entire life doing charitable work, poor uneducated people who are never taught about christianity, anyone out of the billions of people born before christ. But a 100 year old convicted murderer, rapist and paedophile would get in with a big reward as long as he acknowledged jesus and christianity before his death. It strikes me that this concept encourages people to spread the word and save people by teaching them about christianity, something that has obvious benefits for the religion. Sorry to stray from the topic yet again warranto, but I don't want anyone getting the wrong ideas. For the first verse, you would have to consult a pastor on that subject, as I don't know about those cases. Toward the 100 year old convicted murderer, rapist, and pedophile: Yes, indeed he can. Acknowledgment isn't enough though. Pastors can explain it better than I can. So I invite you to listen to the sermon "Death...Then What?" in the One Minute After you Die series that my church posted on their website. You don't have to download anything, it's streaming with quicktime. Not sure about other media players: http://www.kentwoodcommunitychurch.com/media/Audio/Death_ThenWhat.mp3 The follow-up sermon hasn't been posted yet. It's interesting even if you are an atheist. Let me tell you though, according to the teachings I've learned, your reward is directly connected with what you've done on earth. So even if you do let Christ into your heart and you've done a lot of bad things in your life, you won't get a very good heavenly reward. That's the end of my little speech. Unless you have any other questions I won't stray this topic off any further.
(1) gbull: congratulations on your rebirth. I won't get cheesy on you, but acceptance really opens your eyes to the world around you and I think you'll find a much more fulfilling and enjoyable life. (2) gbull: I think you're wrong about the Garden of Eden theory - though I see where you were going with it. It says in the Bible that the Garden was locked so that no man may ever enter again and protected by angels. Basically we were thrown out and told we could never enter it again ... so that would suggest its not the entire planet, because obviously we already cover it. It's probably somewhere near Mesopotamia or in some deep jungle not yet explored. (3) Mex: Saying that the Bible cannot be used as 'evidence' is kinda biased; and I say this because I am to understand you're not religious or don't believe in the Bible and are thus discrediting it in order to make it better fit with your beliefs. The fact of the matter is that ANY historical document (whether diaries, the Bible, simple notes, or even legends as they are passed down) is written by man and no one else .... and ANY historical document is handled by man, translated by man, etc. Though I do agree the Bible should not be taken literally in many circumstances and may quite possibly have translation errors, I do see it as a holy and perfect book that has never been proven wrong and therefore should not be so quickly dismissed. You can even look at books such as Numbers which go as far as to detail lineage by actual figures/statistics. I highly doubt some random guy thought it'd be cool to write a book about lineage back then - find some Christian reference to it - and stick in the Bible as an 'extra read'. It obviously has some sort of value, though it is incredibly boring to read. (4) MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 13:35 Quote: My church teaches that you go to Heaven by having belief that Christ died for your sins, and the degree of your reward is based on the time you spent on Earth. Therefore, my purpose for living is to ensure my eternal salvation, and the degree of the reward that follows. This is something that above all else seems most "un-christian" to me. On that basis the following groups of people would be excluded from heaven: stillborn babies, athiests who spend their entire life doing charitable work, poor uneducated people who are never taught about christianity, anyone out of the billions of people born before christ. But a 100 year old convicted murderer, rapist and paedophile would get in with a big reward as long as he acknowledged jesus and christianity before his death. It strikes me that this concept encourages people to spread the word and save people by teaching them about christianity, something that has obvious benefits for the religion. This is correct, and here is why (all from the Bible): --Salvation is the key to heaven, not deeds. Since God sees ALL sins as equal (ie. right or wrong), as far as salvation is concerend you're either with sin or without sin and therefore condemned to hell. The only way to circumvent that fate is through the sacrifice of Jesus who was without sin. --The Bible also states that if you are not afforded the opportunity to make the decision you are not held accountable. That doesn't mean "if I dont go to church - then I dont have to get wrapped up and it and I'm safe". It means if you're stuck in the jungle or if you're a newborn that can't intelligently understand the world around you - you are exempt from this damnation. --It also mentions that salvation, PRE-Jesus, was different: it was having faith that Christ would come and that you were born into sin. --Since murderers, rapists, and pedophiles are all sinners - just the same as "Joe across the street" who THINKS about how nice it would be to have his neighbors house" - all end up in hell just the same. Petty sin and extravegant sin are all the same in God's eyes. And no, just saying "I believe in God" before you die on your deathbed is not enough. They'd have to truely believe and accept it. --With all that being said, Christians should not be running around saying "fine, burn in hell" or "Well I guess that just means you're going to burn in hell for eternity"; and many do. Plant the seed, say your prayer, and if they ask for help - help them. Otherwise, "have a nice day"...
gbull, that site doesn't seem to be working atm - but it seems there is a link to dl it, so will try that later. fl00ded, 3. I think you misunderstood my comments, my point was more that the concept that the people who wrote it talked to god cannot be evidenced - it is something you simply have to believe (obviously hard if you have no belief in God). Assuming that it was indeed Gods words they will have been altered somewhat over time as languages do not directly translate and it seems likely that interpretation of it by the people responsible for copying/translating it would have occured. Any historical document used as evidence for whatever reason would have its origins/modifications examined. It also seems plausible that due to this particular books status it would have been protected from many things (like some ancient king adding himself or changing the commandments to suit himself as one random example). 4. that sheds a little more light on the subject - it makes the concept a little more acceptable although I still cannot personally agree with it. My hypothetical view would be that if I have had a good life and done something good for the world and the people in it, that an all knowing God would allow me in to heaven and not punish me for a set of beliefs.
The reason i started this was because i was interested to see what peoples beliefs were on the subject. In my own opinion, life has no meaning. We're here because we're here. A lot of people say we are here to reproduce, survive and carry on our species. But wouldn't that be the answer to the question "What is the meaning of life on this planet?". I don't think we serve a purpose in this universe, although sad as it may seem. Religion comes into this because some people believe that they were put here by God or another superior being to serve a purpose. I'm not saying this is right or wrong, i don't think there is a solid answer to this question.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect and I also have my questions. But the core of the religion is the part about salvation - which is why many people dig so deep into it. Which comes back to the topic of this thread: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE? If you mean, "What is the meaning of life, to you?" then it will be a different answer for everyone based on their religious views. Quite frankly, organized religion has been pissing me off in the last few years (I don't go to church or anything). Take Catholicism, for example: they've recently changed their beliefs to say "we no longer believe in pergatory". WTF is that about? After thousands of years you're going to suddenly change your beliefs? Maybe their eyes were opened after their profit sharing margins went down and molestation went up? I think that if anyone is going to be able to find peace in their life and have any hope of finding the true answer to the question this thread asks, we need to back the fuck off of eachother -- express our opinions subjectively -- and encourage spiritual enlightenment in a peaceful way. Only then will our sad little species come anywhere near answering what the meaning of life is.
MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 13:20 fl00ded, 3. I think you misunderstood my comments, my point was more that the concept that the people who wrote it talked to god cannot be evidenced - it is something you simply have to believe (obviously hard if you have no belief in God). Assuming that it was indeed Gods words they will have been altered somewhat over time as languages do not directly translate and it seems likely that interpretation of it by the people responsible for copying/translating it would have occured. Just to point something out, as far as ancient text goes, the Bible is reported to be the most accurately translated and true-to-the-original text in history. Even if you don't believe what it says, it still has that going for it. (This is not the church acknowledging the accuracy, but other, neutral, third parties). However, that's not to say qualifications of a word has not changed. ie. Many people in the old testament are stated to have lived 100's of years. But considering when it was written, what would they have considered a year? Our own Calendar only dates back to the Roman times. (Interesting assumption: assuming a "year" back then would have been decided by phases of a moon, 12 lunar months in our year translates into people mentioned in the old testament to be approximately 70-80 of our years)
fl00d3d wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 14:42 Quite frankly, organized religion has been pissing me off in the last few years (I don't go to church or anything). Take Catholicism, for example: they've recently changed their beliefs to say "we no longer believe in pergatory". WTF is that about? After thousands of years you're going to suddenly change your beliefs? Maybe their eyes were opened after their profit sharing margins went down and molestation went up? Limbo. They changed it so that they don't teach Limbo. If you're going to try to take a shot at organized religion, try to get your facts accurate. Otherwise, it makes you look like more of an ass.
I once saw text running something like this pinned to a bus stop, of all places - Quote: As you wait for your bus, consider this - The meaning of life is different for everyone, for those who say it is about having children, what about those couples who can't or don't want to have children? (It continues in this way for a while, covering most major meaning-of-life theories, I can't remember the whole text) Any ideas?
The meaning of life is more than we can currently comprehend. Yes, more than even WE, the almighty masters of the universe, can comprehend. Sadly we will probably blow ourselves and the entire planet to hell before we evolve enough to advance any further.
Even those who can't have children can still act toward at least my meaning of life (notice that I did not say procreate, I just said survival of the species). As far as humanity goes, that involves a great deal of things on top of procreation.
SpyGuy246 wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 14:53 Limbo. They changed it so that they don't teach Limbo. If you're going to try to take a shot at organized religion, try to get your facts accurate. Otherwise, it makes you look like more of an ass. and there is the unnecassary aggression we have all been expecting. I think it is a positive step if any religion is prepared to look at their rules and change them if they feel it is right, it's all very well getting hung up on beliefs but that shouldn't get in the way of changing things when it is the right thing to do. Quote: The meaning of life is more than we can currently comprehend. Yes, more than even WE, the almighty masters of the universe, can comprehend. Sadly we will probably blow ourselves and the entire planet to hell before we evolve enough to advance any further. I think there are a few things that the human brain is not and never will be capable of understanding, namely infinity (the infinite universe) and nothing (if it isn't infinite then what is outside it, what happens when you cease to exist). God provides answers to some of those things for many people, it is the things that we can begin to understand (such as weather not being controlled by greek gods, or imo evolution replacing creationism) that cause problems. Quote: Even those who can't have children can still act toward at least my meaning of life (notice that I did not say procreate, I just said survival of the species). As far as humanity goes, that involves a great deal of things on top of procreation. I suppose humans have evolved to the point where they have enough ability and intelligence to look outside their own existance, allowing them to provide their own "meaning of life" by developing traits and ambitions that define them. whether that be for good, evil or just playing lot's of rene
Oh, I don't mean to provide their own meaning of life, I just mean that what they do acts toward the survival of the species, thereby engaging in the meaning of life, be that procreation, curing diseases, proving food, etc.
SpyGuy246 wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 15:53 fl00d3d wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 14:42 Quite frankly, organized religion has been pissing me off in the last few years (I don't go to church or anything). Take Catholicism, for example: they've recently changed their beliefs to say "we no longer believe in pergatory". WTF is that about? After thousands of years you're going to suddenly change your beliefs? Maybe their eyes were opened after their profit sharing margins went down and molestation went up? Limbo. They changed it so that they don't teach Limbo. If you're going to try to take a shot at organized religion, try to get your facts accurate. Otherwise, it makes you look like more of an ass. It wasn't a shot: Catholics changed another belief. I don't see how you can change your beliefs like that. Kinda like how Catholics used to believe that people weren't worthy enough to interact with God directly so they had to go to confession and do it through a priest; which is a load of shit. Catholics = psycho. And that's coming from a Christian.
Why do you assume there is a meaning to life?
fl00d3d wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 15:40 SpyGuy246 wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 15:53 fl00d3d wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 14:42 Quite frankly, organized religion has been pissing me off in the last few years (I don't go to church or anything). Take Catholicism, for example: they've recently changed their beliefs to say "we no longer believe in pergatory". WTF is that about? After thousands of years you're going to suddenly change your beliefs? Maybe their eyes were opened after their profit sharing margins went down and molestation went up? Limbo. They changed it so that they don't teach Limbo. If you're going to try to take a shot at organized religion, try to get your facts accurate. Otherwise, it makes you look like more of an ass. It wasn't a shot: Catholics changed another belief. I don't see how you can change your beliefs like that. Kinda like how Catholics used to believe that people weren't worthy enough to interact with God directly so they had to go to confession and do it through a priest; which is a load of shit. Catholics = psycho. And that's coming from a Christian. Last I checked, I wasn't psycho....
MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18 [/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth.
IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:51 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18[/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth. Sarcasm?
MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:53 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:51 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18[/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth. Sarcasm? No, the plain truth. The simple plain truth people are refusing/having trouble believing.
I was simply saying that the Catholic religion (at least how it has been traditionally) was all wrong. And I can say that factually - one Christian to another - just the same as I can say that to a Mormon. Why? Because the Bible sits in front of all Christians as is. Some people interpret it differently and have different spinoffs, but nowhere does it say "you can write an additional book, Mormons" or "you're not allowed to pray to me you unholy P.O.S.". Granted, not all Catholics agree or comply with their religion's full set of beliefs - so my statement was not a personal attack. I just think that every religion has their [as I put it] "psychos" (religious extremists) and misrepresent the core of what the religion is all about: A personal relationship with the infinite being that created you.
IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 16:54 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:53 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:51 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18[/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth. Sarcasm? No, the plain truth. The simple plain truth people are refusing/having trouble believing. Your powers of persuwasion are astonishing, now ive seen the light. All this proof that evolution is correct must be fasle now that ive read that statement. ok, now seroius reply. Life only has the meaning that you give it.
jimmyny wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 23:37 ok, now seroius reply. Life only has the meaning that you give it. What do you think it the meaning of life is? Can we please keep this on-topic. Religion and belives is a very hot topic but please stay away from trying to explain why you belive / don't belive / what people do wrong...
this topic should be locked because IronBalls has already given his opinion and, I don't know if anyone's noticed, but he knows better than anyone else
IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 16:54 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:53 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:51 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18[/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth. Sarcasm? No, the plain truth. The simple plain truth people are refusing/having trouble believing. you're a nut job man
Scientists say they can prove the Big Bang happened, but they can't say what caused it. And that's where I put God in the equation. I guess I'm some sort of modern Protestant.
fl00d3d wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 09:38 You did your part - so stop flooding the seed with so much damn water. Very nicely put.
Sniper_De7 wrote on Thu, 26 April 2007 02:22 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 16:54 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:53 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:51 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18[/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth. Sarcasm? No, the plain truth. The simple plain truth people are refusing/having trouble believing. you're a nut job man So, you resort to name calling? Me and a million others like me will continue to proclaim the majesty of God Almighty. You dismiss all of God's works and listen to mortal men but surely you will learn the truth in due time. "Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies." Psalms 119:157
IronBalls wrote on Thu, 26 April 2007 09:59 So, you resort to name calling? Me and a million others like me will continue to proclaim the majesty of God Almighty. You dismiss all of God's works and listen to mortal men but surely you will learn the truth in due time. "Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies." Psalms 119:157 Are you a God Warrior now? *chuckles*
"And then all those who are prideful and refuse to bow down will be laid low and made unto dust"? Cookie for anyone that gets that.
Jonty wrote on Thu, 26 April 2007 10:32 "And then all those who are prideful and refuse to bow down will be laid low and made unto dust"? Cookie for anyone that gets that. No...it's even worse. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
Can someone lock this? before it gets out of hand. I wish i never started it, i just thought it could be fun discussion.
as if a thread about religion (this one is, even if not explicitly) isn't going to "get out of hand" an aside: IronBalls makes me depressed
this thread wasn't about religion, it was about what people belive the meaning of life is. Although, religion only comes in because some people's versions are based on their religion.
mrpirate wrote on Thu, 26 April 2007 10:47 (this one is, even if not explicitly)
IronBalls wrote on Thu, 26 April 2007 08:59 Sniper_De7 wrote on Thu, 26 April 2007 02:22 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 16:54 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:53 IronBalls wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 17:51 MexPirate wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 12:18[/quote Nice class - God did it, the end. Bullz eye! That's the 100% truth. Sarcasm? No, the plain truth. The simple plain truth people are refusing/having trouble believing. you're a nut job man So, you resort to name calling? Me and a million others like me will continue to proclaim the majesty of God Almighty. You dismiss all of God's works and listen to mortal men but surely you will learn the truth in due time. "Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies." Psalms 119:157 well you're an idiot. You said that it's 100% truth. No it's not. It's faith - there isn't a shred of evidence to support what you're thinking except from people who've "seen" God and from people over thousands of years old. I mean, hell, Greeks worshipped zeus and whatever else there is. Why is it any more plausible that your faith would be any more or less believable? I'm not about to try and stick my beliefs in you, unlike what you're doing (pitiful, mate). A person has a right to choose what he or she believes. I like to think that it's better for me to be an over-all better person without having to believe in a religion. There's right and then there's wrong - They clash, of course. But it's just common sense that I try to be nice and what not. Not to say I'm always nice. I don't really respect people that like to force their views on others, especially as strong as you do. Why can't you just leave it be that people don't believe in what you do? Why do you have to be so god damn self-righteous? I shouldn't haev to acknowledge or worship any god to go to some magical place when I die. I'm a lot nicer than some other christians I've seen. But they deserve to go to this place? If that's how it works then don't sign me up, buster. I'd rather be with the people who don't need a reason to be nice other than their own god damned will and not doing what other people tell me I should do. I'm also calling you a nut-job because even though you said you weren't posting in this thread, you just *had* to chime in one last time. You really have only yourself to blame on this one, kiddo. So please, just shut up already.
I'm not directly grilling anyone here ... But a trend I've noticed in modern religions (of all types) is that a lot of people say things that they don't believe deep down in their heart and soul because of either ( a ) fear of retribution or embarassment --or-- ( b ) because they think talking tough or down to a 'god' makes them feel stronger. Again, I'm not knocking anyone here, but as always -- you should really think about the nature of these types of discussions and say to yourself "sure I may fool myself or other people - but 'someone else' may be watching how I represent myself. To support what I just said, I've found myself saying things I know to be wrong (regarding religion) because I wanted to downplay the effect of my non-believer friends. If you have a religious belief, regardless of what it is, you shouldn't be fearful of what any mortal thinks about you.
Thanks for that grilling, fl00d3d. I don't mind at all. See, I really do believe in what I say. Also, everything I have said so far is NOT for any personal gain, power, self-motivation, or fame or status. I don't see why I need to feel powerful. I am also not trying to project any power over anyone or anything. I am just a Christian who defends his faith where so many others don't speak due to fear. I am merely stating what I believe and I am merely DEFENDING my beliefs against assault from those who want to disprove what I believe. You said: "You should really think about the nature of these types of discussions and say to yourself "sure I may fool myself or other people - but 'someone else' may be watching how I represent myself." As a Christian, I have come a long way. Sure, no one is perfect and if there ever was a sinner with the most massive crimes in his hands, it's got to me. I am not saying that because it is a cliche catchphrase but it's because I mean it. I have commited so many sins and sin after sin...but there was a time when I had to stop and realize what I was doing. I have a strong eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. I fear God...this keeps me for commiting more sins and keeping the relationship positive. Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship and the more you fear God, the closer you will stay with Him. So in other words, I want to ease your suspicion that I, IronBalls, maybe a fake Christian who is just rambling Bible verses. No, I am not a fake...and I believe God is scrutinizing me right now as I write this post. So, He knows if I am a liar or not...if I am a cheat or not. He knows EVERYTHING about me. I know that I will pay the severe price if I lied. So, please understand. Also, the only reason that I repetedly keep posting in these hot topics (and in many other forums in the web) is to defend my faith and because I am not afraid. Also, it would be a crime, for me as a Christian, if I held my peace. I don't care what anyone think of me...I sure know a lot of people in this forum lost any respect they had for me (if ever). But that is the price many who do God's work face and pay everyday. I must humble myself and say my arguments here does not amount to doing God's work but I am merely defending my faith and my beliefs. But I am saying that I am a Christian and after establishing a relationship with Christ (which I have), I have a duty to carry out what is commanded to me: to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. That should not be intrepreted as something to force ideas to others. I may not always be successful in spreading/defending the Bible but at least I tried and made some aware of the choices available in life. Or I could have played it safe by the rules of this world...I could have been the nice IronBalls on Renforums who never said a thing...the Iron who never was frustrated or felt the need to address some topics here. Of course, then you would all have a different view of me but I don't like that life of pretending while I had something heavy on my heart that I wanted to say. In closure, I want to say that I am not ordering or telling anyone what to do...I am just expressing my views and beliefs. I guess they are not so popular. If you think I am not "sophisticated" or smart enough to join your so called club known as the world AND if membership in this elite cultural club of yours requires me to spit in God's face, THEN I will rather stay "ignorant." God Bless.
I'm pretty sure I said I wasn't calling out anyone in particular. Don't take it personally - cuz my views are more aligned with yours than a few others, here.
Please continue all discussions about religion in the new thread. http://www.renegadeforums.com/index.php?t=msg&th=23999&start=0&rid=5 4 Keep this thread to discussions about only the meaning of life
I propose that the meaning of life is different for every person. Discuss
I'd agree. Every person probly has to some extent a different meaning, I myself have a few guesses as to what it may be, but for now, I settle with this: Till I figure it out, I take life as it comes and try to make the best choices beneficial to the future. Why? Cuz who knows what the meaning of life is. You are here, and that's a fact. Make the best of it for you and everyone else while you're alive. Something happened to me today that kinda makes me want to think about it more though. I saved a little girl from drowning. It was an easy save (all I had to do was dive into a shallow pool), but what if I had died while saving the girl's life? Would that have been worth my entire life to save the life of another? Seems to me that question makes the meaning of life question completely pointless.
Life is nature's way of keeping meat fresh.
well, the flag u see next to my name is turkish flag, which means im muslim. i thought (at least some of) you guys would be appreciated to know how islam describes this. very long time ago i read somewhere about the meaning of life. according to that source, to islam, life is all about love. i mean loving someone. so ur love to that person takes you to god, the love that you could feel for god. actually we should love god, even more than anything or anyone we could love. because god has created us. according to islam, he gave us some of his abilities like seeing, talking, almost everything he has instead of ability of creating. then he sent us here to pray, to love, to be a good person, so we can reach him, and then go to heaven. i haven't read quran, (because a complete translation from arabic to turkish is almost impossible, there are some differences between, so u have to speak arabic to read quran to understand it completely) but, in islam again, life isn't all about a church/mosque life. because there are lots of blessings god gave us. we should use animals for their meat to get feed, their leather to get protected from cold, etc. those resources are all for mankind. the point is, you should find a middle point between sins and good works. for example, alcohol is forbidden in islam, because it makes people unconscious, and leads bad behaviour as we all know. but imo, if ur really a good person, drinking alcohol rarely in special days (celebrating something, etc.) won't send you to the bottom of hell. but it counts as a sin. but this doesn't mean we can use drugs too, just because there are drugs in this world. because drugs extremely hurt human body, so u can't hurt urself, because god gave ur body for u to use it in this world. u must protect it at all costs. this means u can't suicide, can't kill anyone (in islam, there's no funeral for people who kills his own father or mother), can't kill even any single creature. i hope this could be helpful and can let u see this argument through a different perspective. sorry for my english.
archerman wrote on Sun, 08 July 2007 18:41 well, the flag u see next to my name is turkish flag, which means im muslim. i thought (at least some of) you guys would be appreciated to know how islam describes this. very long time ago i read somewhere about the meaning of life. according to that source, to islam, life is all about love. i mean loving someone. so ur love to that person takes you to god, the love that you could feel for god. actually we should love god, even more than anything or anyone we could love. because god has created us. according to islam, he gave us some of his abilities like seeing, talking, almost everything he has instead of ability of creating. then he sent us here to pray, to love, to be a good person, so we can reach him, and then go to heaven. i haven't read quran, (because a complete translation from arabic to turkish is almost impossible, there are some differences between, so u have to speak arabic to read quran to understand it completely) but, in islam again, life isn't all about a church/mosque life. because there are lots of blessings god gave us. we should use animals for their meat to get feed, their leather to get protected from cold, etc. those resources are all for mankind. the point is, you should find a middle point between sins and good works. for example, alcohol is forbidden in islam, because it makes people unconscious, and leads bad behaviour as we all know. but imo, if ur really a good person, drinking alcohol rarely in special days (celebrating something, etc.) won't send you to the bottom of hell. but it counts as a sin. but this doesn't mean we can use drugs too, just because there are drugs in this world. because drugs extremely hurt human body, so u can't hurt urself, because god gave ur body for u to use it in this world. u must protect it at all costs. this means u can't suicide, can't kill anyone (in islam, there's no funeral for people who kills his own father or mother), can't kill even any single creature. i hope this could be helpful and can let u see this argument through a different perspective. sorry for my english. It's too bad some people put it upon themselves to warp the teachings of your religion. I've known for some time that Islam is at the heart, supposed to be for the greater good. Just like Christianity though, a few extremists tend to ruin the image of that greater good.
now that we;re letting it "all hang out", I was raised Christian then for the last 20 plus years turned my back on thoughts of God. But it struck me lately, could there be more than 1 God, like more than one STAR, one planet, one moon, one UNIVERSE!
Jecht wrote on Mon, 09 July 2007 07:34 It's too bad some people put it upon themselves to warp the teachings of your religion. I've known for some time that Islam is at the heart, supposed to be for the greater good. Just like Christianity though, a few extremists tend to ruin the image of that greater good. what do you mean with that?
he means that Muslim extremists warp the public image of Islam.
Jecht wrote on Mon, 09 July 2007 07:34 It's too bad some people put it upon themselves to warp the teachings of your religion. I've known for some time that Islam is at the heart, supposed to be for the greater good. Just like Christianity though, a few extremists tend to ruin the image of that greater good. i hope you're not considering me one of them.
The meaning of life is to achieve post count +1.
luv2pb wrote on Mon, 09 July 2007 12:28 The meaning of life is to achieve post count +1. LMFAO! The meaning of life is to get more post counts in Renegadeforums! Life will be fulfilled when 1000 posts have been achieved! archerman wrote on Mon, 09 July 2007 08:03 i hope you're not considering me one of them. Oh no.
archerman wrote on Mon, 09 July 2007 08:03 Jecht wrote on Mon, 09 July 2007 07:34 It's too bad some people put it upon themselves to warp the teachings of your religion. I've known for some time that Islam is at the heart, supposed to be for the greater good. Just like Christianity though, a few extremists tend to ruin the image of that greater good. i hope you're not considering me one of them. Not at all, I'm considering you one of the good ones
Achievement is the key
RoShamBo wrote on Wed, 25 April 2007 07:00 What is the meaning of life? What is our purpose? Why are we here? Is everything purely religion? Or was our existence just a massive chance and we should consider ourselves very lucky to be here? Discuss... If you have an opinion please don't try and force/persuade it on someone. There is no meaning to life. We weren't "put" here for a "reason" because if that is the case, who was it who "put" us here and what is their meaning to life? It is an endless cycle thinking of it that way. There truly is no true meaning to life, it is simply we ended up here because of some fortunate events that lead to the sustainment of life. Although some could argue that the meaning to our life is to sustain our life, to keep moving forward and keep living. And religion.. God/gods were created by us because all seemed lost at one point in time. These questions overwhelmed the people and they sought an answer, so they relied on something like God to turn to. Basically God is a psychological being within our (Or those who haven't realized this) minds. He is just a simple go to for answers kind of thing. For example, if you were given the power to start your own world, with nothing but blank space and no limitations... what would you create? There would be no one to help, no one to turn to for answers, just you. What would you do? Would you model your own world after this one? Or would you make something completely new? Or would you just be baffled at what you should do? Would it be hard? So what if you had limitations? Maybe something like having Ground to walk on. Would that make it easier? Instead of making a whole world freely from scratch, you would now be heavily bound to the limitations set. If I am right, then it should definitely be much easier to create within limitations, rather than have nothing and turn it into something without limitations freely without help. Wow.. I drifted off <_< anyway, yes, so God is the one we made to turn to for help when we didn't know of what we were supposed to do. It is from this greedy creation that sprung forth different religions. Which today still plague the world and for ever threaten our "meaning" to live, to keep on living. So my opinion is simply, if we had no religion, life would be better off, but yet people would be confused to what should be going on. It is a vicious cycle, but one that can hopefully be cleared up.
I've never turned to anyone for help. I am very much a "rely on yourself" type of person.... heck, I've never even had someone I looked up to; no "hero" of sorts. Yet, I believe there is a God. I agree that some people use God as an excuse for many things, but it does not negate the idea that God may exist. I have no reason to turn to God for assistance of any sort, nor do I believe he'll have reason to help me (but then again, I also believe no one, divine or not, would want to help me), so by your definition, I should not believe a God exists. Yet, I do...
So, you atheists, who do you think Jesus was? Just some random guy who thought it would be cool to tell people he was the son of God? And out of pure coincidence he was born from a virgin? And he believed in himself so much that he healed people? And out of luck died and came back from the dead? The reason God doesn't want people to know muh about him is because he wants us to have faith in him even without us knowing about him. It'll all be explained up in heaven, I'm sure. And, what I think, I think anybody can go to heaven even if you believe in some other god. It say he is very forgiving, so he should just judge on how well you live your life. I think he does just that. And for me: I turn to God for help every day. And as for razorblade saying that the world is better off without religion is total BS. There may be wars about religion, but if there were none people would go crazy and start more wars because they aren't afraid of somebody punishing them in the after life.
wow Jesus did all that? I guess I believe in god now
mrpirate wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 09:49 wow Jesus did all that? I guess I believe in god now Good News!
The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering.
Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 10:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. I like that one.
Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. a worthwhile aim, but I don't see what it has to do with life's "meaning"
warranto wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 09:11 I've never turned to anyone for help. I am very much a "rely on yourself" type of person.... heck, I've never even had someone I looked up to; no "hero" of sorts. I said "people at one time" for a reason. Basically nowadays it doesn't matter if God exists at all, because there is more of a reason to get out of bed in the morning then there used to be. Tell me, if it was the 1600s, and your entire town had been destroyed, and you where the only surviver, and you were only 10 years old. What would you do? Can you still say that your a "rely on yourself" kind of person? @ Sn1per74, Jesus was a smart man. He wasn't insane and he wasn't some random dude to wake up and say "Hey, I am going to say I'm God today" He simply saw the horrors of the world and what the world was like without a reference or any sort of help. So he explained to people to live for something and they will get something. Does it really matter if he is wrong? It gives people a purpose to keep moving forward. Doesn't matter if God exists or not, he was smart the way he handled it.
Actually, I would be. People tend to turn to God for strength just as often as for blame... I've done, and would do neither.
I don't blame anything on God. He challenges you and rewards you. You just have to accept it.
Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 23:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. Woohoo! Buddhism ftw. There is no meaning to life. Go on, go be emo and kill yourself.
Sn1per74* wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:41 Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 10:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. I like that one. I prefer Buddhism as opposed to Christianity because the school of thought in Christian beliefs is very much one of a human exceptionalism, and clings to an un-darwin belief. I prefer compassion to all sentient beings. There is most likely some bible quote saying be nice to animals.. But at the heart of Christianity in the book of Genesis it really underlines the Christian stand point, saying that animals are to serve God, as man is to serve him. mrpirate wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:47 Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. a worthwhile aim, but I don't see what it has to do with life's "meaning" Suffering is part of human life. Realising this is the first truth. Freedom from it is the meaning of life, true enlightenment.
the meaning of life is to discover the meaning of life... that should confuse ya
NuNeGa wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 11:22 the meaning of life is to discover the meaning of life... that should confuse ya Not confuse, it's just very much open to interpretation.
Reborn wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 11:13 mrpirate wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:47 Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. a worthwhile aim, but I don't see what it has to do with life's "meaning" Suffering is part of human life. Realising this is the first truth. Freedom from it is the meaning of life, true enlightenment. I'm not a buddhist, so I don't see the relevance; obviously suffering is a part of human life, but whether or not you overcome it you die, and as far as I'm concerned that's it, so it doesn't matter.
I'm sure God wouldn't want you to NOT be nice to animals. He even says that when Jesus comes back he'll be riding down on a chariot with 2 white horses or something of that sort.
fuck that. I demand equal horse colour representation
Humans are just as much animals as that squirrel in your front yard is. That means we have the exact same meaning to life as any other living thing on the planet. Do any other animals have any religions? No.. it just means humans are hopeless <_<. IMO, all religions are evil, and should be forgotten or else it will end the world.
mrpirate wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 10:57 fuck that. I demand equal horse colour representation Pfff.. go after Santa Clause first. A dozen coloured animals forced into late-night round-the-world shifts with minimal rest times while the white man they are pulling whips them and sits comfortably while they do all the hard work?
mrpirate wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 11:47 Reborn wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 11:13 mrpirate wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:47 Reborn wrote on Thu, 09 August 2007 11:14 The meaning of life is to achieve freedom from suffering. a worthwhile aim, but I don't see what it has to do with life's "meaning" Suffering is part of human life. Realising this is the first truth. Freedom from it is the meaning of life, true enlightenment. I'm not a buddhist, so I don't see the relevance; obviously suffering is a part of human life, but whether or not you overcome it you die, and as far as I'm concerned that's it, so it doesn't matter. Whether you're Buddhist or not is irrelevant, gaining freedom from suffering and true enlightenment is not only the meaning of life, but the meaning of life, death and rebirth... No one truely dies. You're constantly "reborn". Sn1per74* wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 12:50 I'm sure God wouldn't want you to NOT be nice to animals. He even says that when Jesus comes back he'll be riding down on a chariot with 2 white horses or something of that sort. Sure he doesn't want you to be cruel to animals. But there life is still considered to be less, they're never going to evolve and get into heaven, they don't have a chance at all. They are here to serve. Hence why he will be riding them... He didn't say he will be sitting on the backs of humans... It's just that darn human exceptionalism that gets me everytime. mrpirate wrote on Fri, 10 August 2007 12:57 fuck that. I demand equal horse colour representation Ah man, that made me laugh on so many levels...