The purpose of life [Archive] - PlanetSide Universe

MrVicchio

2003-02-13, 11:20 PM

Life, as is seen regularly is harsh, horrid and can be aweful.

But why? God we are told, is a kind and gentle, benovolent being that wishes the best for us.. why then is there evil and pain in the world?

Simply, life is a test. A test of Character. The story of Job teaches us this. You also must consider a bigger picture, you might live to be 76, longer if you are fortunante.. that is nothing in the comsic scale of time. No matter how bad Life is now, here on earth, faith can sustain you, and hold you through it all. For greater rewards will come.

So no matter what happens in Life, pray, stay steady, stay strong, and one day, you will see the rewards. That is what has sustained me in my life. My mother passed away from cancer when I was 7, she suffered horribly, but I found God. I have at times.. been.. less then I could be, but only through God and Jesus can you deal with the crap that is life.

We have evil, to test us, we see hell to remind us of what happens to those that lose faith. This is my belief.

Why did I post this? Too much meditating.. maybe.. Rather, I hope to maybe spark another intelligent debate. I really believe that man is tested in life, not because God is cruel, but because, he knows that just a little faith proves you, and that 70 some odd years of hell on earth is nothing compared to an eternity of salvation. Be safe all.

Bighoss

2003-02-13, 11:29 PM

the meaning of life is what ever you choose it to be. Well that's more of the meaning of an individuals life. The overall meaning? I dunno its unanswerable I guess reproduce and die so your species goes on.

Fire_Monkey

2003-02-13, 11:32 PM

I don't believe in any salvation aka: heaven, but I do agree that life is a test/challenge. I gotta try that meditating stuff, sounds enlightening.

Ludio

2003-02-13, 11:34 PM

I happen to be atheist so I don't believe in god. That said I do have a similar view of life. I think that its not so much a test that a higher power gives us, but rather one that we give ourselves. When you die you look back on life and if you haven't done anything you will regret it. That is one reason why I would like to pursue a career that adds to humanity in some way (scientist, writer etc...).

Life is tough, but it is also full of joy. I think that while we are alive we try and experience as much joy as possible, while still doing something worthwhile. If all you did was play computer games all day, you would have a lot of joy, but no worth. If you actually do something with your life, then you can be satisfied when you die. This is the 'test' and when we die we all know deep down how we did.

Of course some people don't have enough time in life to do anything and I feel sorry for them because of what they could have done, that is why everyone that lives to a ripe old age owes it to others who aren't as fortunate to do their best in life.

Fire_Monkey

2003-02-13, 11:56 PM

Well put Ludio. I was born Jewish, went through my Bar Mitzvah, but that was one of the most significant things that pushed me away for religion. I felt that all anyone ever did was read the words out of the books, and never felt G-d for what it truly is. I believe that there is a reason for being here, and that joy should be experienced as well as contributing to society ( I intend to be a writer and have my hobby as gaming).

Lexington_Steele

2003-02-14, 01:54 AM

You know, life isn't always a test. Sometimes life doesn't have to be about clinging to faith. Sometimes your allowed to just sit back, relax and enjoy the action.

I don't see life as harsh, cruel, and aweful. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Sometimes things happen that we don't like, but it is always good to be alive(sometimes I wish otherwise, but looking back at those times, it was still good to be alive).

Don't look at life as a test. Look at it more like a whimsical journey through a magic chocolate factory. :D

Jaged

2003-02-14, 01:57 AM

The meaning of life is to play Planetside.

Ludio

2003-02-14, 02:21 AM

Jaged, less spam, more serious discussion.

Lex, I think you are right in the sense that people want to enjoy all that they can, and as I said happiness is an integral part of our life (If I wasn't happy then it doesn't matter what I do, life would suck), but I still think that you should do something besides have fun. At the moment I am doing what you said, having a whimsical journey through a magic chocolate factory, but I'm 17 so I don't think anyone minds. When I am older I would like to do something that I can look back on and take pleasure in being a part of. In a sense, doing something important or meaningful with your life is a way of being happy.

ABRAXAAS

2003-02-14, 03:20 AM

First off theres starting to be a fair bit of these kind of threads poping up a little to much preachin goin on, life is simple its whatever you want it to be, whatever makes you happy, thats it thats all end of discussion :D

Incompetent

2003-02-14, 04:39 AM

IMHO the purpose of life is to try and make it better for those who follow you. No test, no supreme being standing to the side with a clipboard trying to decide where you should go after you die, just a challenge to make sure the people who follow you don't have to spend their all to short time here going through the same shit that you did. Their is no inherent reason you exist, but you do, so you might as well do something that actually matters and will get you some respect from those who follow you, and you should show respect for those that came before you and fought and died for what they believed in and made this substandard blue marble worth the material its made out of.

btw im agnostic, leaning toward athiesm if anyone thinks it might matter

KoldFusion

2003-02-14, 06:00 AM

I'm with your Mr. V
I found God 2 1/2 years ago. Always nice to see someone who isn't afraid to put what they believe out there for others.

Mtx

2003-02-14, 09:53 AM

It seems everytime I say something about God an athiest jumps out and slanders me for it. :(

Navaron

2003-02-14, 10:02 AM

*I* say the point of life is to get to heaven, and to bring as many of these other numb nuts with you as possible. If you believe in heaven, the earth is just a flick on the radar, so it's quick and painless. The sooner you die, the sooner you get to heaven, so why be a coward? Why be ashamed of your beliefs? There's my 2 cent. People blame God when bad things happen, but they just ignore the facts that they didn't do anything to stop the evil in world. Makes no sense to me. People who blame God for bad things, are just ostriches who want to blame someone else when shit hits the fan.

KoldFusion

2003-02-14, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by Mtx
It seems everytime I say something about God an athiest jumps out and slanders me for it. :(

Thats sad MTX. I'm sorry you have experienced that. I know how you feel. It doesn't bother me that athiest slander me for saying what I believe. I just blow them off if that is what they chose to do. I also pray for them. It says in Bible that we (who believe in God and trust in His Son) must not be shy and timmid. We must proclaim Him no matter if that cost is persecution.

I'm not trying to a give a sermon (I could quote versus and begin to evangelize though) :). Everyone is entitle to their own view. in my religon we pray for instead of hate those who would try to silence us.

Mtx

2003-02-14, 11:19 AM

Denali

2003-02-14, 11:24 AM

I believe life is what you make it. If you will be happy the rest of your life raising a wonderful family and providing for them, then your life was a success, that's great. Someone else may want to climb a mountain before they die, so once that mountain is climbed they can die happy, and their life was a great success. The big question is not whether there is a heaven or a hell, but what are you living for? What can you do to make your life complete?

Lexington_Steele

2003-02-14, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by {BOHICA}Navaron
*I* say the point of life is to get to heaven, and to bring as many of these other numb nuts with you as possible. If you believe in heaven, the earth is just a flick on the radar, so it's quick and painless. The sooner you die, the sooner you get to heaven, so why be a coward? Why be ashamed of your beliefs? There's my 2 cent. People blame God when bad things happen, but they just ignore the facts that they didn't do anything to stop the evil in world. Makes no sense to me. People who blame God for bad things, are just ostriches who want to blame someone else when shit hits the fan.

Just to play devils advocate, :twisted:

If the purpose is to make it to heaven, that means that some people don't make it. What if your best friend/wife/girlfriend/parents don't make it to heaven? Could you imagine a heaven without them? Do you believe that your god excludes some people from his love?

So if you shouldn't blame god when bad things happen, why thank him when good things happen?

Navaron

2003-02-14, 11:43 AM

"If the purpose is to make it to heaven, that means that some people don't make it. What if your best friend/wife/girlfriend/parents don't make it to heaven? Could you imagine a heaven without them?"

See God is like the weapons inspectors, it's not his job to get you in heaven, it's your's to prove you're worthy.

"So if you shouldn't blame god when bad things happen, why thank him when good things happen?"

Cause, God wants the good, and the devil or demons or whatever you want to call them, don't want that. You get to choose. If you dick up and pick wrong, he'll let you start over and try again, but if you're a dumbass and don't get it straight before you bite it, then you get to pay the piper.

Do you believe that your god excludes some people from his love?

Nope, it's there for everyone to take and grab, some people are too stupid to do so. That's their problem.

KoldFusion

2003-02-14, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by {BOHICA}Navaron
"If the purpose is to make it to heaven, that means that some people don't make it. What if your best friend/wife/girlfriend/parents don't make it to heaven? Could you imagine a heaven without them?"

See God is like the weapons inspectors, it's not his job to get you in heaven, it's your's to prove you're worthy.

"So if you shouldn't blame god when bad things happen, why thank him when good things happen?"

Cause, God wants the good, and the devil or demons or whatever you want to call them, don't want that. You get to choose. If you dick up and pick wrong, he'll let you start over and try again, but if you're a dumbass and don't get it straight before you bite it, then you get to pay the piper.

Do you believe that your god excludes some people from his love?

Nope, it's there for everyone to take and grab, some people are too stupid to do so. That's their problem.

I'll add something to this. specifically to the praising God when good happens and still trusting in him when the bad happens.
In the book of Job there a perfect example of God being in total control of everything. Things happen so He can achieve His will and it is not for us creatures to understand or recieve an explanation. In that story the devil asks God for permission to harm Job's family and instill other hardships on him to try and shake his faith. God grants this permission but INSTRUCTS the devil to no harm Job. The Devil has no recourse and complies.
Basically, Let God be God. Live your life the way you feel it should be lived. If it is Gods will and he has predestined you to feel the Holy Spirit... then you shall feel it but, it is up to you to lay hold of Him. God forgives b/c His son bore our trangressions..... but just b/c He will forgive.... that doesn't mean we can continue to sin, knowingly giving ourselves to sin and expect Him to reedeem us. You will find that Romans 6 speaks to this issue. I'll stop here :)

Nohimn

2003-02-14, 12:28 PM

Nav, when you say:

"Do you believe that your god excludes some people from his love?

Nope, it's there for everyone to take and grab, some people are too stupid to do so. That's their problem."

I am not excluding myself from his love. I simply don't beleive it's there. If I don't beleive it's there, why should I be stupid enough to go asking for it? I don't mind that you beleive in god, but that remark very much offends me and can offend any other "stupid" atheist. I don't offend other people's beliefs, I simply express mine, and you should do the same. that comment is as bad as among the worst comments Bighoss has made. I guess you're not any better than he, or ABRA for that matter.

Lexington_Steele

2003-02-14, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by {BOHICA}Navaron
"What if your best friend/wife/girlfriend/parents don't make it to heaven? Could you imagine a heaven without them?"

"Do you believe that your god excludes some people from his love?"

Nope, it's there for everyone to take and grab, some people are too stupid to do so. That's their problem.

So what happens if the people that are the most important to you don't make it to heaven?

What are the requirements for getting to heaven? Are they posted somewhere?

And where do the people who don't go to heaven go?

archaic1128

2003-02-14, 04:23 PM

Heres a little food for your brains. If you truely believe in god, and have read the Bible this article will make you shiver.
http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1027.html

Also, if you would like a list of good research sites feel free to PM me. This goes for naysayers and non-believers as well.

Quicksand

2003-02-14, 05:24 PM

I dont think there is any real one reason why we exist. I know as human beings we have certain responsibilties, but i dont think there is any rewards or punishmants awaiting us at the end if we dont act like human beings. live and let live is i think the most important reason. every thing that is alive is sacred and should be respected as an equal. Just because we are born as poeple doesnt mean we are human beings , there are a lot of animals out there walking on 2 legs, i think you have to make a decision to act like a human, without expecting a reward or fear of some gods wrath.

MrVicchio

2003-02-14, 10:10 PM

Wow... i am gone all day and this thread got more then 3 responses.. wow...

I am proud of my beliefs.. you don't have to share or agree with them...

I think God loves all, but some through their OWN actions get shunned by God, thus the whole free-will thing.

Navaron

2003-02-15, 10:38 AM

Ok Nohimm,

You think that I'm such an asshole that you have to spread it throughout the forums huh? Well you say I'm bashin your beliefs, well you're the one bashing mine.

I believe in heaven.

I believe it is fairly easy to get into heaven.

I believe it is everyone's job to try and get everyone else to go to heaven also.

I believe it is fairly simple to get into heaven.

IF I believe these things, then it IS stupid in my mind for someone to not accept the path into heaven. This is a thread about what we believe and your holier than though ass comes along and judges what I believe and flames me? Well screw you.

You use the exact flipside of my argument against me you hypocrite.

"why should I be stupid enough to go asking for it?"

If you don't believe it's there, then asking for it is stupid in your mind, well I believe it's there so not asking is stupid in my mind. I don't know where the judgement train stops, but it's time you got off.

"stupid" atheist"

I never said atheist were stupid, don't put words in my mouth. Here's the quote I used, "If you dick up and pick wrong, he'll let you start over and try again, but if you're a dumbass and don't get it straight before you bite it, then you get to pay the piper." I still stand by that quote because it's my belief. If you don't like it, then go flame elsewhere. A dumb ass is someone who doesn't know better or is ignorant - not stupid. SO if a person doesn't believe/or know it's there - then they are ignorant in my mind.

"I guess you're not any better than he, or ABRA for that matter."

The point you have no arguement and are offended on a shallow emotional level is evidant since you result to personal assault. I say go for, since I consider you on their, level your worthless little spoutings haven't, and never will, amount to much anyway.

If you've got a problem with me, you take it up with me in that forum or in PM, you don't try and slander around the forums behind my back. Be a man. Step it up.

Nohimn

2003-02-15, 10:47 AM

I am not here to flame anyone, but that's just arrogance and I am merely defending myself:o

Navaron

2003-02-15, 10:51 AM

I'm sorry you see my opinions and beliefs as arrogance, but you have no right to insult them and me - and moreover to take my words out of context and all over the forums to make a little point to impress your buddies. Not only do I not appreciatte it, I am offended. You say you are defending yourself, but you haven't been attacked. Defense is not slander all over the forums. You're being childish. Grow up or shut up.

MrVicchio

2003-02-15, 10:58 AM

If you don't believe in God.. why? If there is no God.. then there is no reason to be a goo dmoral person, everyone should just do whatever the hell they can get away with cause there are no consequnces for ones actions..

Which is, IMHO the main reason many people that are athiest ARE athiest.. cause if they weren't.. they'd have to admit they are living a life that is bad, and they would have to change.. Athesim is, an excuse to live in "sin" because people don't like ot admit they are doing wrong.

Destroyeron

2003-02-15, 11:06 AM

the purpose of life truly is to have sex and reproduce. thank god for life! :D

Nohimn

2003-02-15, 11:16 AM

Nav, I'm not calling your beleifs arrogant. I come from a religious family, but the comment about how that if people reject god they are stupid and that it's their problem, that's where I draw the line.

Navaron

2003-02-15, 11:16 AM

Uh oh Vic, you posted your beliefs in a beliefs thread, don't insult me. I'm going to go insult you in other forums now. :mad:

Nohimn

2003-02-15, 11:18 AM

and you're telling me to grow up. you are a troll.

Destroyeron

2003-02-15, 11:21 AM

can't we all just get along? and nav, just put it in your signature, it will be easier to insult him in every post you make.

Navaron

2003-02-15, 11:21 AM

Attention kettle - yep you're black.

diluted

2003-02-15, 11:27 AM

bah ive been away for awhile and cant keep up with these threads so i havent read many. but the purpose of life is energy transfer. simple as that.

KoldFusion

2003-02-15, 11:46 AM

Originally posted by Lexington_Steele
So what happens if the people that are the most important to you don't make it to heaven?

What are the requirements for getting to heaven? Are they posted somewhere?

And where do the people who don't go to heaven go?

For your first question..... I deal with this everyday. Most of my family does not believe in God..... All I can do is pray for them. That may not make you feel like I answered you question but that is all you can really do. It is very real that I may not reunited with my family in heaven and it sucks to be sure. I just pray that God will save them. :(

The requirement for heaven are found in the Bible. Pretty simple. But I feel to truly interpret the Bible you need a work of the Spirit in you. Keep in mind though.... there is not a check list to get into heaven. You can be the absolute most charitable person on Earth for you entire life, But you are still alive in sin and dead to God "Ephesians 2:8-9".. The true requirement to heaven is you believe and love in your heart Jesus Christ b/c he was sent to Earth to bear our punishment "John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." But it is just more than trust and believing in Him it is having personal relationship to God and living your life in the image of Christ. We all sin no matter if we believe in God or not. It is repenting that makes us right again"Ephesians 1: 1-14".. We must becareful not to sin as believers with the rationale that we can sin as much as we want because God will forgive us anyway "Romans 6:1-14" "Ephesians 1: 1-14".

People who don't go heaven are judged when Chirst comes again. We all will face judgement the saved will pass to heaven and the unsaved will spend an eternity in judgement. Just because you proclaim God outwardly doesn't mean that you have a free pass into heaven. There is a life that must be lived and you need to live it righteously. But you can't do that without the work of the Holy Spirit.

Don't flame me for my beliefs please. If you disagree. You may express it in a constructive way. I will be praying for you wether you like it or not :)

Destroyeron

2003-02-15, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by diluted
bah ive been away for awhile and cant keep up with these threads so i havent read many. but the purpose of life is energy transfer. simple as that.

nope its sex, trust me I looked

Ludio

2003-02-15, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by MrVicchio
If you don't believe in God.. why? If there is no God.. then there is no reason to be a goo dmoral person, everyone should just do whatever the hell they can get away with cause there are no consequnces for ones actions..

Which is, IMHO the main reason many people that are athiest ARE athiest.. cause if they weren't.. they'd have to admit they are living a life that is bad, and they would have to change.. Athesim is, an excuse to live in "sin" because people don't like ot admit they are doing wrong.

Don't you believe that people can do it on their own without a higher power? You make it sound like people can't be good unless they think there is a reward waiting for them in heaven. What are your qualifications of being a moral person? I am moral in all the ways that I can think of, so how is it than that I can do this without a higher power?