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Philosophy/religion

Am I missing something

12 replies

curly13 · 16/04/2013 17:02

I was chatting to my mum last weekend and she was really surprised when I said that I didn't think there was any point to life (not in a suicidal way, I'm perfectly content, and even happy most of the time, but in the sense that you're born, you die and what happens in between doesn't really have any bearing on the universe). I've repeated this to a few people since, who have varying religious views and they all seem to think I'm missing something although they haven't been able to say anything to me that has made me understand what.

But now it's got me wondering whether my life would be improved if I could see a deeper meaning to life. I tend to just get on with life, not dwelling too much on things that have happened, and not stressing too much about the future. I'm in a happy relationship, enjoy my job, am involved in various local & work related groups.

I attend Church of Scotland services although not every week and do feel a sense of belonging although I have trouble believing the whole creed and don't agree with all the church's views. I do believe that there was more than science can explain to the creation of the universe but I don't see a point to continuing the human race for the sake of continuing the human race, or that we have a purpose as guardians of the planet/creatures on it (they'd probably be better off without us).

I do think that people should live their lives to their full potential without negatively impacting on others/the planet but just because everybody should have a right to that.

OP posts:
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technodad · 16/04/2013 19:53

Our "point in life" is to survive sufficiently long to procreate, as defined by Darwin.

In a modern society, I suppose it is easy to loose track with this life struggle, but that is what we are hard coded to do.

Everything else that we humans believe, and the way we act, are simply evolved traits that help is achieve this goal.

Just enjoy life Smile

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OrangeLily · 16/04/2013 20:24

The whole idea of there just being no point freaks me the fuck out.

Makes me breathe funny.

If there is no point then what's the point of keeping going with everything? Why are we trying so hard? Why are all these people worshipping and praying and believing in another being? How are we so deluded? And so on for several hours.

Makes my head all spinny.

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technodad · 16/04/2013 20:34

Because evolution has shaped us this way. It is a survival advantage if we are superstitious.

If a species evolved that thought it was better to kill itself during times of hardship, it wouldn't last for many generations before becoming extinct.

Out superstitions (often demonstrated by faith), gives us hope to keep going.

Many animals exhibit these traits. Have a read on Wikipedia about the "Skinner box" experiments, where birds show frantic superstitious behaviours when they are given rewards associated with assumed causal events. Wink

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PeggyCarter · 16/04/2013 20:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

technodad · 16/04/2013 20:39

Spot on

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Italiangreyhound · 16/04/2013 21:10

curly13 I'm a Christian and believe we are made to be in relationship with God (through Jesus and the holy Spirit, hence I am a Christian Wink).

For me this gives my life a very special purpose.

I would also agree with not doing harm to other and would go further and say we should do good. So whether it is supporting a charity, or sticking up for the poor or disposed etc. I think that is all really good. I've found charities like Amnesty International are very good because by writing a protest letter or even sending an email, or supporting them with money, I am helping someone else who is miles away. Many years ago I wrote a protest letter about some comedians in Burma who were arrested for joking. A while later I heard they had been freed and a thank you was sent out generally. I felt very good. Not good because what i did was great or anything at all, but because some people cared and protested I think that contributed to those people being freed.

you do not need to be religious to write protest letters or sign petitions. The two things can be separate.

It may well be someone else wishes to ridicule my faith or ask me for prof etc, I am happy to be ridiculed and I can offer no concrete proof of why my faith is true, or even that my protest letter made a differene.

But I am happy to offer these as two things which make life worthwhile and give me purpose, alongside having fun, supporting and loving my husband and child and enjoying my work.

If you want to dig deeper into your faith there are many ways to do it such as an Alpha course, or a retreat if you prefer a more contemplative spirituality, many convents offer weekend or even day retreats. For me there is nothing that beats feeling close to God, I am not saying that at all in a pius way! I just think it is very special. Whatever you do with your life curly13, I hope you will enjoy it and find deep meaning.

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IndigoBarbie · 16/04/2013 21:38

I have different beliefs from those noted prior, and I wasn't raised in any particular teaching or religion.

I can and do understand where you are coming from, and for me - I have to agree it doesn't matter about the "is there a god, is there an angel" (and I am one who believes and speaks to angels and passed on loved ones etc) or even if we live on after life - we have to make the most of it while we are here. That is the impetus for me to try and make the best of situations even when they appear very bleak.

I truly believe we are here to enjoy ourselves. I certainly do not believe we are here to be judged or punished, although everyone holds their own views on that. I am going with the whole 'life is an experience, and a journey'

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PedroYoniLikesCrisps · 17/04/2013 08:32

The reason we are here is precisely because we are the result of billions of years of evolution. It's not that there's a point for us to keep going.... There isn't really..... We just happen to have and happen to continue to do.

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mylittlepuds · 20/04/2013 22:06

Our point in life is to love - our family, friends and to show compassion to strangers. I just need a little more faith to commit myself to that fully. We will never understand it more than that IMO - although letting go is nigh impossible I'm finding.

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mylittlepuds · 20/04/2013 22:07

Sorry I should have said in my opinion in front of that comment! I'm not claiming to 'know' - that's just a conclusion I've reached Smile

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PedroYoniLikesCrisps · 21/04/2013 15:57

My opinion is that there's no purpose. Life doesn't have a goal, it's just happened. How it goes on after us will be out of our hands as it was before us. So I say let's just enjoy our time here (just try not to ruin anyone else's time in the process).

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Italiangreyhound · 21/04/2013 21:27

Curly13 how's it going?

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