What is the purpose of life if one is an atheist?

Question

Even if your memory "lives on" in your offspring, they eventually die and are anihilated too. And why should anyone care about their genes being propagated for the species? What difference does it make? If there is no God, then we're here for a while, we do some stuff (whether it's "good" or "bad" is inconsequential), then we cease to exist. The end. Sounds depressing to me.

So it sounds like some of you say you make your own purpose, and others say there really is no purpose, just deal with it. Relax guys, just trying to understand the mindset.

And I do not "walk on eggshells in fear" at all. I am eternally secure.

BTW, it's obvious mankind did indeed create religion, but this does not disprove the existence of a Creator. On the contrary, it seems to be evidence of Him. We seem to be the only species that has a need for a purpose greater than ourselves.

The mayflies don't worry about their purpose? Ok, just like an evolutionist, we are absolutely no different than mayflies. Wow.

And there seems to be a common thread among all these answers that there still is some sense of "goodness" for the atheist in living life for today, in helping others just for the sake of doing so, etc. This is "good" in whose opinion, and why should that opinion carry any more weight than an opposite opinion? How can anything be determined to be absolutely "good" or "bad"? I can respect the atheist who admits that there is no absolute or inherent value or "goodness" in anything, who says that things are what they are; nothing more, nothing less.

BTW, religious organizations and religious people account for more charitable activity than any other groups, whether one considers "strings attached" or not. Fact.

Answer 1

None. Live, get happy and die. That would truly be horrible if you think thats all life is about....

Answer 2

First, why is it that you feel life must have a point? I don't feel that way at all. Life can end in the blink of an eye, so my concentration goes toward trying to make the world a more tolerable place. I see the simple truth: religion serves only to separate us. While individuals certainly join together due to common beliefs, society as a whole becomes more volatile. That is sad, and it is pathetic. We argue of which god is best, and we ignore the problems in the world that need to be addressed. Instead of saying, "It is God's will," try doing something that helps others without a string being attached. When I volunteer at the hospital or the homeless shelter, I don't do it to appease any god or use it as an excuse to spread the word of my faith. I do it because it helps people. That is all. I need no thanks or recognition; I just want to help make someones day. An occasional smile is thanks enough. True, I believe when I die, that's it. So why would I waste my life in service to anyone or anything except the whole of humanity? I wouldn't, and by bringing a moment of happiness to a complete stranger, I do leave a lasting mark on the world. Maybe you're just too caught up in your prayers or other subservient ways to notice.

Answer 3

If you're a believer, why waste some time right here? Why now not simply kill your self, and cross instantly to..................uh, wherein ever. Sounds lovely foolish, huh? Actually after christianity was once authorized within the Roman Empire, handiest Christians had been allowed to serve. Why? Because that they had been satisfied of an extra existence, and had been as a result courageous opponents. There is a announcing, "There aren't any atheists in fox holes." Oh, how flawed. There are ONLY atheists in fox holes. Any truly Christian believes he will get an extra existence. An atheist treasures this one with all his could, and can do approximately whatever to hold it. So, because you need to be a believer, why now not kill your self now, and overlook the grief your existence need to be fill with? When you reply that, you'll understand why atheists love their existence.... and virtually, whilst push will get to shove, you too, are a minimum of skeptical, and perhaps also have discovered that religions are foolish.

Answer 4

There is no purpose. Find your own purpose. Help people - become a doctor. Find ways to contribute to society - a scientist, an engineer, a teacher, an artist. Sorry you can't find a purpose that has nothing to do with someone who probably doesn't exist. That's more depressing than anything.

Make the most of this life, since you probably won't get another. Look at mayflies - they live only a day. What's their purpose? And why doesn't it seem to be bothering them?

Answer 5

Why do you think it has to have a purpose? You give me the impression that you can only evaluate an answer with reference to a god, in which case I don't think you will appreciate my answer.

I don't believe in a god and I don't think life has an intrinsic purpose in any metaphysical sense, but I do think that life has a physical objective. That is reproduction.

I say that because all life seeks to reproduce and indeed, that might be the best definition of what life really is.

If you don't believe me, consider this. Every single one of your ancestors, going right back to the pond, were survivors. They did what they had to do to survive until they could reproduce, and you are the product. (I hope you are grateful? Hmm?)

Had even one of them spent too much time contemplating their navel and asking themselves "Why am I here?", then they might have missed their opportunity, and you wouldn't be who you are.

Consider this also. A Catholic might consider that the Pope is a wise and virtuous man who knows the answer to your question. And yet.... he has not contributed to the improvement of mankind by passing on his genetic virtue.

So just take a few minutes to consider, and then tell me, which is the better purpose of life? To know your god, or to know why you love your children, and why all your ancestors (who could never even be sure you would exist) loved you?

Answer 6

sure if you say it like that. i look at it this way, immortality is not found in the belief that you have an immortal spirit. it is found in your actions and how they will be remembered. whether good or bad your actions leave a legacy that you will be remembered for after you die. the meaning in my life is that one thing that makes me happy. it is different for all people. for all i know i may be a famous chemist and my name will be mentioned in schools. the Ancient Egyptians had it right when they said "to speak the name of the dead is to make them live again". as long as you are remembered you are never lost to the world, so my meaning in life is to contribute to society and make sure i can give back when i can. and reproducing is another way of giving back. its not simply passing on genes, its raising a child who will then become a valuable member of society in time.

Answer 7

It didn't pick atheist because it sounded fun. What a man believes ought to be a reflection of what he sees as reality.

The truth is the truth. If it talk courage to face it, I'd better have that.

That being said, I do live a happy life. Reason and compassion guide me. I have sons and a fine woman to love. It is enough.

Answer 8

Your sentiment "sounds depressing to me" is the very reason religion exists. People cannot cope with the existential truth that you're born, you live, and you die. And that's it.

So, what's the purpose of life? There is none. Just live and be a good person.

Answer 9

There is no real satisfying purpose to my life. I just continue to live and enjoy life while I'm here. It really is pointless to ponder over death and thus cause depressing thoughts....it's something that WILL happen. So, i try and not let it get to me. I try to stay positive.

But you're right, in my opinion, it sucks that we have to die. I'd rather live for eternity in some heaven.

Answer 10

I think it's depressing to waste all of the only life you are guaranteed trying to make it to the "right" place in some after life that may or may not exist.

The good or bad we do in this life is never inconsequential by the way.

Answer 11

You live for the promise of an afterlife? You live in fear of not being sent there? Every moment of your life is a potential slip-up that might send you to Hell instead of Heaven? You have to walk on eggshells at all times? THAT'S how you live your life?

Sounds horrible.