Even If God Ontologically Exists, We Decide the Meaning of Life
"What is the meaning of life?" The classic way to approach that question is to approach it intellectually. When approached in that manner, the most common answer almost suggests itself: Any secure meaning to life must be derived from something thought to be outside the self that is superior to the self. And what better fits that "something" than an ontologically existent god?
God is a convenient source of meaning. But let's briefly examine that here. Suppose, then, there were an ontologically existent god. And suppose that god was the creator of the universe. Further suppose that god created a heaven in order to offer us the option of spending eternity with Him in a paradise. Would any of that mean the meaning of our lives was to spend eternity with god? Not necessarily.
It could only become the meaning of our lives if we ourselves decided to make it the meaning of our lives. There's no logical reason why it would automatically become the meaning of our lives. The truth of that point can easily be seen: We are free to choose some other meaning for ourselves than spending eternity with deity. In other words, the source of meaning -- even if god exists and has created a heaven for us -- is ultimately ourselves.
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6 comments:
"We are free to choose some other meaning for ourselves than spending eternity with deity. In other words, the source of meaning -- even if god exists and has created a heaven for us -- is ultimately ourselves."
it really would be easier to see the article while writing a response. I wouldn't have to cut and paste your words.
I agree that ultimately the meaning of life is what we prepare for ourselves, dead or alive.
If that makes any sense.
but I will not argue of existence of God, because it really does depend on how one understand this word.
Taking it literally isn't possible.
was Lucifer cast away from heaven?
Does it mean a dictatorship?
Does it mean rules and thinking going on there?
just like here on earth?
we can still fuck it up while being there???
no difference! no difference!
there is no need to wait for heaven, we can make one for ourselves right here right now. too much work? impossible? do we need a ready made heaven?
after all if there is heaven and hell, good and bad, it could be ugly..
42
what 42 means?
braveheart- It's a Douglas Adams reference, from the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Series.
They discover in the series that the meaning of life is '42'.
thanks!:)
Now I also know he co-authored "Doctor Who", which was the series I loved to watch long time ago.
Science fiction, something different.
so..there is no point of asking the meaning of life. It is clear only after our death.
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