What's The Purpose Of Life

[jonathanm]

Feb 12, 2009, 10:12am, mojobone wrote:I'd like to mention also that in Stephen's thoughtful post, when he used the words "sad and stupid" he was referring to what Ern was told by a stranger on a plane, and not to Ern or anything he said in his also thoughtful post.I wondered if that might be the situation, but just in case (and before anything exploded), I thought I'd wave the caution flag. Jonathan

[linziellen]

Hi Brad,I haven't got much time to read the entire thread so I'll catch up on the last couple of pages tomorrow.I wonder if anyone has mentioned Spiritual Awakening? Or is that too deep I'd never heard of it until late last year.That's all I have to say for the time being, I guess it's deep and I need sleep!Take care and go with your heart Linzi

[stephen]

Feb 12, 2009, 9:33am, hummingbird wrote:Feb 12, 2009, 4:12am, stephen wrote:I agree that we should love each other, make others happy, write music, dance, laugh, smell the roses and all the good stuff... but those are things we do along the way of fulfilling our purpose, or should I say purpose may be fulfilled through these acts but the act is not our purpose in it self. what if it IS that simple? what if our purpose is simply to be consciously alive and respect all other life as a living embodiment of creative inspiration?I wish it were I think we all wish it was. If it was that easy there would have been no Holocaust, no Slavery, no Apartheid, no 911, no bombings in Gaza or Jerusalem. No daddy's locking away their daughter to make children with them, no racialism, no human trafficking, and on and on and on. We'd have no need for police men because we'd all have the same perspective, no need for lawyers because we'd all honor our word, no more war, no more stealing, sounds like a beautiful place to me maybe even heaven... But the fact is, it's not that simple. Human being are a selfish bunch and respect for other doesn't come naturally for a selfish person.

[stephen]

Feb 12, 2009, 10:12am, mojobone wrote:Quote:"what if our purpose is simply to be consciously alive and respect all other life as a living embodiment of creative inspiration? "Well, that hardly seems likely. I've really enjoyed reading the posts from all y'all, and I want to stress that I'm not perfect, either. (sometimes I'm not even good) I try to learn all I can, teach all I can, and spread divine love as far as I can every day, but I'll confess right here in front of everybody that I don't have the answer to the question of life, the universe and everything. (and I think it's probably the wrong question) I know MY purpose in this life, (see the second sentence of this post) and I think that's probably all a man can ask to know with any certainty . I'd like to mention also that in Stephen's thoughtful post, when he used the words "sad and stupid" he was referring to what Ern was told by a stranger on a plane, and not to Ern or anything he said in his also thoughtful post. And Ern, I've been a minister for nearly fifteen years and didn't know I was a Universalist 'til now. Thanks Mojo. Ihope it wasn't misunderstood but you cleared it up as if I said it myself

[sgs4u]

I thought about posting again, and I realized that I have a blog, and rather than infect this forum with New Age Spiritual Crap ( ), I can just put this on our blog. Then I'm not trying to start an argument, or tell anyone else that their views or beliefs are wrong. I totally welcome the fact that so many people have diverse views on whatever they categorize as spiritual. And I don't believe in dogma at all, just like our very observant friend Reverend Mojo posted. This is something I am currently paying attention to, and by no means will it be the only source of my spiritual growth for the rest of my days... There are many answers, they all combine to make us UNIQUE.Smell all the flowers!for Abraham Hicks Dogma, click here.

[jonathanm]

Feb 12, 2009, 2:59pm, sgs4u wrote:And I don't believe in dogma at all, just like our very observant friend Reverend Mojo posted.I think we all believe some dogma. By definition dogma is "a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof." (per Princeton online).We've all stated here that there are some things we just can't know for sure...we don't have proof. Yet we all still believe something about those things, and we've just filled up a discussion thread with statements saying we believe those things as true...but without proof.That's dogma. That's faith. We all have it in something.We base our faith on various things. A solid faith is based upon facts, and the faith "stands in" for the remainder that we have no proof of. It takes into account where evidence points. That's where I am in my examination of Christ's teachings...they not only ring true, but they're supported by a huge body of verifiable evidence.But the kicker for me, I must admit, is the amazing love He demonstrates for us. If you get the opportunity to sit and read for a bit, breeze through the John's gospel account; it's chock-full of direct statements from Christ. The firm, tough yet compassionate love rolls off the pages.

[allends]

Friends,I have taken the time to jot down my answers to the big question. Since the opinions expressed are not necessarily the views of our sponsor, I am taking Steve's lead and posting them off-site.Here is a screen-shot of something I typed up for those who are interested: The Purpose of LifeI am impressed by how smoothly we have shared our differing views so far. We sure have a great bunch of people here! Allen

[sgs4u]

Feb 12, 2009, 6:35pm, jmeraz wrote:Feb 12, 2009, 2:59pm, sgs4u wrote:And I don't believe in dogma at all, just like our very observant friend Reverend Mojo posted.I think we all believe some dogma. By definition dogma is "a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof." (per Princeton online).We've all stated here that there are some things we just can't know for sure...we don't have proof. Yet we all still believe something about those things, and we've just filled up a discussion thread with statements saying we believe those things as true...but without proof.That's dogma. That's faith. We all have it in something....You've quoted me so I'm assuming you've directed some of your post or at least the spirit of your post towards me or those that might think like me. Quote:Merriam-Webster definition of dogma...Etymology: Latin dogmat-, dogma, from Greek, from dokein to seem — more at decentDate: 16381 a: something held as an established opinion ; especially : a definite authoritative tenet b: a code of such tenets <pedagogical dogma> c: a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds2: a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.That's a good enough description of stuff I tend to avoid. Interestingly enough, me and my family were invited to a "Bible Study" group, for dinner tonite. We just got back. The subject was mainly, "How is the Bible, pertinent to your life?" You can guess what my response was. I'm not going to print it here, because I don't want to inflame this thread. Dogma and faith are not the same, IMO. I have and practice faith. I avoid what I see as dogma. I avoid religions. You can learn from them, love them, even proclaim how they change our life. But they are not for me. Maybe down the road I will see a reason to visit churches, and even read the bible. I'm not saying never, I'm just saying... So I'll remain a very inquisitive spiritualist, but also a heathen by many accounts. I will go to my heaven when I'm done here, and I plan on seeing the rest of you when you're done here as well. I absolutely promise to never try to convert anyone. Feb 12, 2009, 9:04pm, allends wrote:Allen's The Purpose of LifeROCKS!

[squids]

Well, thank goodness fo that then. I'm a firm believer in heathens. Other than Buddhists, they don't recruit! I really hope we're not all confusin' religion with spirituality. We're not. Right? Cuz that would be......well, two different conversations, really.

[pitterpatter]

Feb 12, 2009, 9:33am, hummingbird wrote:Feb 12, 2009, 4:12am, stephen wrote:I agree that we should love each other, make others happy, write music, dance, laugh, smell the roses and all the good stuff... but those are things we do along the way of fulfilling our purpose, or should I say purpose may be fulfilled through these acts but the act is not our purpose in it self. what if it IS that simple? what if our purpose is simply to be consciously alive and respect all other life as a living embodiment of creative inspiration?I agree it's a good idea to try but unfortunately there is some LIFE out there that is really difficult to respect as the living embodiment of creative inspiration. Some people seem to be the living embodiment of evil.