Do you know the meaning of your life? (paradise, salvation, hell)

[JakeDog]

The meaning of our lives is whatever meaning we give it. If you give the meaning of your life to love space aliens and be good by eating pork but not peanut butter, that becomes the meaning of your life. Similarly, some people base their meaning upon old tall tales and irrational beliefs. Others are hedonistic. At the very core of all people's meanings is usually to simply stay alive (eat enough to be alive, get enough sleep, avoid deadly conflict, etc.).

[inspiringmind]

To learn, love others and lead my life to the best of my ability. (Follow the golden rule) And yes, I can do that without any god in my life.

[cleatis]

Originally Posted by Timothylogan3

How many of us know what is the meaning of our lives and really where our we heading? And do most of us care and worry about who we really are and our purpose in this life?

Is the purpose of life to destroy farmland with a maze of asphalt and some nice looking rickety houses? Is the purpose of life to live your whole life for a job so you can get a new Toyota every 5 years?

To assume that there is a purpose to life presupposes that there is a greater overlying plan. Who then gets to decide what that is? Should I be able to determine what the purpose of your life is? Should a judge, or doctor, pastor or lawyer get to determine what that purpose is? Whatever meaning your life has can only be carved out by you as an individual. Your purpose in life is for you to give your life purpose.

[Bluesmama]

Originally Posted by Timothylogan3

Okay, I know the religious answer, what I am looking for is your own voice. I have nothing against religion, but I just dont want us to hide behind it. What are you true thoughts. Be honest if you can. What is this all about for you?

Mine is still a religious/spiritual answer, but perhaps with a different twist from most.

I believe that life on earth is a "school" to learn lessons, to experience both good and bad and gain knowledge and spiritual growth from it. I also believe that we can return for more life lessons if we want to. And, yes, it's all in preparation for something greater "out there".

I also believe that Creationism and Evolution go hand-in-hand, that "intelligent design" came as a infinite effort to perfect human life forms. See, I believe in a hierarchy of God. But whether "earth" is the the responsibility of just one deity or a team effort of several, I can't fathom a guess.

So, anyway, I think we're all here with a responsibility, and a goal, but to also take ourselves and, yes, be "happy", too.

[Ryrge]

Let me try again, the meaning of life for me is to know God, to love God, and to attain union with God forever.


Is that okay with everyone here, I mean you can tolerate my meaning of life?


In regard to the OP:

Originally Posted by Timothylogan3

How many of us know what is the meaning of our lives and really where our we heading? And do most of us care and worry about who we really are and our purpose in this life?

For myself I know the meaning of life for myself and I know where I am heading.

And I care who I really am and my purpose in life, all that for myself only of course, but I don't worry because I am certain for myself.

How many do I know who know the meaning of life for themselves?

If I may express an honest opinion based on my own observation which is not of course the common observation of other people:

Most people go on and on trying first to stay alive and attain a comfortable life even a luxurious life, in that respect they are after happiness, even though they are meeting one obstacle after another on the way, still they keep on and on, with the hope that things could be better if they just keep staying alive and continue the shall we call it challenge.


This is a very interesting topic and I like to share my ideas and views with everyone here.





Ryrge

[rifleman]

Originally Posted by cleatis

Is the purpose of life to destroy farmland with a maze of asphalt and some nice looking rickety houses? Is the purpose of life to live your whole life for a job so you can get a new Toyota every 5 years?

To assume that there is a purpose to life presupposes that there is a greater overlying plan. Who then gets to decide what that is? Should I be able to determine what the purpose of your life is? Should a judge, or doctor, pastor or lawyer get to determine what that purpose is? Whatever meaning your life has can only be carved out by you as an individual. Your purpose in life is for you to give your life purpose.

Originally Posted by rifleman

Yes, agreed. for so many, it's only OK if there is but one overlaying and primary purpose. As has been well stated here, the purpose is whatever you give it. Of course, the Christian assumption seems to be that we should all have some generally similar purpose; to glorify God.

Since I neither believe He exists, nor do I wish to glorify any particular false icons, or pay for others' high lifestyles, I just try to accomplish what I feel are important to my ethical standards, and what makes me feel all wonderful inside, without hurting anyone or anything, else.

Originally Posted by Ryrge

Let me try again, the meaning of life for me is to know God, to love God, and to attain union with God forever.

Is that okay with everyone here, I mean you can tolerate my meaning of life?

Originally Posted by rifleman

Of course we can. Q: can you tolerate ours, as well as why we feel as we do?

Originally Posted by Ryrge

In regard to the OP:

For myself I know the meaning of life for myself and I know where I am heading.

And I care who I really am and my purpose in life, all that for myself only of course, but I don't worry because I am certain for myself.

How many do I know who know the meaning of life for themselves?

Originally Posted by rifleman

Only those who have asked. So many just blindly stumble along, believe their Church or cult leader or politician, or simply don't care. Thinkers generally come to the same conclusion, if they are not confused by religious overtones. Specifically: It's exactly what we make of it.

This is a very interesting topic and I like to share my ideas and views with everyone here.

Ryrge

Have a nice day, Ryrge! And all the others, of course!

[Tzaphkiel]

Originally Posted by Timothylogan3

How many of us know really where our we heading? Do you know the meaning of your life?

yes, i do

Originally Posted by Timothylogan3

And do most of us care and worry about who we really are and our purpose in this life?

absolutely, i devote myself to it

[Tzaphkiel]

Originally Posted by JakeDog

At the very core of all people's meanings is usually to simply stay alive, eat enough to be alive, get enough sleep, avoid deadly conflict.

no, that is survival
staying alive is nowhere near the same as living a life with meaning

[Tzaphkiel]

Originally Posted by cleatis

To assume that there is a purpose to life presupposes that there is a greater overlying plan.

yup, well-said cleatis

[Ryrge]

Originally Posted by Timothylogan3

Okay, I know the religious answer, what I am looking for is your own voice. I have nothing against religion, but I just dont want us to hide behind it. What are you true thoughts. Be honest if you can. What is this all about for you?

My answer that my meaning in life is to know God, to love God, and to attain union with God forever, is not only a religious answer, but an essentially rational answer.

Here, let me react to your post line by line:

you say,

Okay, I know the religious answer, what I am looking for is your own voice.

I say,

For me the meaning of my life is to know God, to love God, and to attain union with God forever, that is not only a religious answer but an essentially rational answer.

You say,

I have nothing against religion, but I just dont want us to hide behind it.

I say,

I am not hiding hiding behind religion, my meaning in life is founded upon my essentially rational thinking into the purpose of life.

You say,

What are you true thoughts. Be honest if you can. What is this all about for you?

I say,

That is my true thought, and I am honest about it, my meaning for life is to know God, to love God, and to attain union with God forever.

What about you?

I don't see you telling us here what is your meaning for your life.

Do you want any discussion or you just want to make some kind of a poll?

And if any discussion is allowed here, may I just invite you to exchange ideas and views with me on the meaning of life for you, for me, for mankind.


And I promise you I am not going to convert you to my ideas and views, otherwise no one can talk anymore about his ideas and views for fear of being accused to be in trying to convert anyone else.





Ryrge