If God doesn't exist...Why even bother....
If there's no heaven, no hell, no "afterlife", why even bother to carry on? I'm fairly sure that I'm driving against traffic on the road of life... I'll probably end up like those people under bridges.
If there is a God, then that gives life purpose... If there isn't...
All wealth and power will be destroyed by rust and moths, or stolen by thieves... Or just disappear when you die...
Why should I even bother living?
2007-09-15 13:42:01 · 27 answers · asked by CanadianFundamentalist 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First off, my life isn't THAT bad (its not comparable to Africa or anything)
Its just that I got my exam results back today. Didn't do so well in math...
Anyways, the short, decent version of this question without all the moping is:
If God is not real, and death is inevitable, why bother living life?
For example, if I KNEW I was going to get a 59% on my provincial exam, and NOTHING I could would change that, would I really bother waiting two months for the exam or would I take it now...
Maybe not therapy... But I do need to get a life...
2007-09-15 13:59:46 · update #1
And uh, no I'm not suicidal or anything.
2007-09-15 14:05:37 · update #2
Because there is a God.
2007-09-15 13:46:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 8⤋
Because you don't even know the answer to your own question.
You have the instincts to know what is right and what is wrong.
Life is not handed to you, it's what you make of life. If you choose not to believe and are rewarded with riches, does that make you wealthy afterwards? Would it be better to be a good person and die knowing you did right and there be nothing on the other side or to die a complete jerk and everyone resent you when you are gone?
Those who know what i'm talking about know the source but a certain character said a great line
"I was smarter than the smarties and tougher than the toughies, and I made it square"
Wise words to live by
2007-09-15 20:52:09 · answer #2 · answered by JellyCat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These questions sometimes bother those who are losing their faith such as yourself. I say be strong and you'll get through it. Of course life has a purpose. Your life is only a minute part of life in general... you play your part and then it's over for you, the rest of the world carries on. The way forward is to live your life in the best way you can, for other people as well as yourself.
Wealth and power are always temporary in any case. As to God giving life a purpose... if you're going to spend your life adoring and worshipping him it's not much of a purpose is it? Our way is better by far.
Good luck.
2007-09-15 20:56:07 · answer #3 · answered by Citizen Justin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If God does exist, why even bother to go on? Our only purpose is to serve him, slaves to his whim, fated to whatever path he decided for us, and unable to stray from it. We have to give up this life in order to get eternity of hedonism, and even one slip up leads to eternal punishment instead. Our purpose is only defined by God, unchanging, unbudging, and of little consequence to us. We are just his puppets, his perverse entertainement.
Ohh, and, as for losing wealth, and power, big loss....
You should live because you only get one chance to do so, and the idea that there is another life after this only devalues it. Life has meaning because it is finite, and because we can ascribe whatever meanings to it that we like, find whatever purpose satisfies us, and get on without concern for justice or second chances. Get life right the first damn time! It is a miracle (forgive the use of the term), and is accident that is easily rectified over far too short of an interval. That is why we can appreciate it while we have it.
2007-09-15 20:48:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it pretty sad that one depends on an unproved entity to give their life definition and meaning. So without that you'd take yourself out? Sad indeed....
Life is wonderful, it is as fulfilling as one wishes to make it. Live it or waste it, the choice is up to the individual. I live my life. I have the love of my family and friends, I interact with my community in a variety of projects which I find very fulfilling. I volunteer my time helping others. When I end my life I will be grateful for all the time I had and the experiences I got to enjoy which helped to make my life wonderful. For me at least, I don't need any more than that. I give my life it's definition - no one else does it for me.
2007-09-15 20:49:30 · answer #5 · answered by genaddt 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A CHAT WITH GOD
God: Hello. Did you call me?
Me: Called you? No. Who is this?
God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something.
God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me: Don't know. But I can't find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.
God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me: I understand. But I still can't figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God: Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
Me: Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty?
God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life become better, not bitter.
Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. It gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God: Problems are: An Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. An Inner strength comes from struggles and endurance, not when you are free from problems.
Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading?
God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than Knowing your rode ahead. You work with the compass (direction). Let others work with the clock.
Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me: What surprises you about people?
God: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me?" Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.
Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.
God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation.
Me: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.
2007-09-15 21:06:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Purpose of life is to exist, to grow to learn to pass on what you have learned to others and help out people as best as you can to make society a better place.
2007-09-15 20:50:23 · answer #7 · answered by Imagine No Religion 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because learning to "know The Father, The Son and
The Holy Ghost" is not the only way to obtaining what
is known as "peace-of-mind" -- and neither is learning
about any so-called "religion," either.
2007-09-15 20:50:50 · answer #8 · answered by Pete K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why should you bother living? Well, this is the only life you're ever going to have. That's why.
2007-09-15 20:50:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My answer is, stop believing there is a God and start to believe in yourself,your own consience , and your own heart. Its then life I can assure you gets a whole lot better.... Good Luck!
2007-09-15 20:55:03 · answer #10 · answered by Leah 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If god is the only reason for your life, or the only reason you are kind, then your life is sad.
I am an extremely happy and content atheist who is both loved and loving, who spends my time with my family and doing things for other people-which makes me feel good...and not because a sky fairy is threatening me if I don't.
2007-09-15 20:47:49 · answer #11 · answered by alia 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋