The Purpose of Life (Jesus Christ, Earth, America, Christian, Christ)

[Djamila]

According to your own personal values, and to your religion as well - whether they are the same or different in some way - what is the purpose of life?

According to Islam, the purpose of life is quite simply to life according to the straight path, with a particular focus on doing good deeds.

My values closely mirror this, however I'd like to speak about it more specifically independent of religion.

To me, the purpose of life can be most easily explained this way: it is live in such a way that you positively impact your loved ones and those who happen to come into your life, whether for a short or long period of time, and leave the world when you pass away slightly better than it was when you were born.

[cardero]

Originally Posted by Djamila

According to your own personal values, and to your religion as well - whether they are the same or different in some way - what is the purpose of life?

According to Islam, the purpose of life is quite simply to life according to the straight path, with a particular focus on doing good deeds.

Djamila, do you believe this is everybody's purpose? Do you believe it should be?

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Djamila

To me, the purpose of life can be most easily explained this way: it is live in such a way that you positively impact your loved ones and those who happen to come into your life, whether for a short or long period of time, and leave the world when you pass away slightly better than it was when you were born.

That is quite noble of you, O Beauteous Djamila! However, you have entirely overlooked the obvious duty we all have to consume the earth's resources at a non sustainable rate in order to further a mindless consumerism that can only result in ecological disaster. Doing that is good for the economy. And what is good for the economy is today the one true religion of humanity. I am shocked that your notion of purpose in life contains no reference to growing the economy!

[Djamila]

That's a difficult question for me to answer, Carbero. I have to say both yes and no.

Yes, in the sense that I would hope it is not anyone's purpose in life to make the world a little worse than it was when they were born. I think different people manifest this purpose is different ways. A Muslim woman in Dagestan might say her purpose in this life is to secure her place in the next. Completely different words for the same meaning. A Christian woman in America might say her purpose in life is to spread the word of Jesus Christ which, by her values, also conforms with my stated purpose.

No, in the sense that I don't believe everyone should have a particularly Islamic sense of purpose. Not that this is, in any event - all of the world's religions seem to be fairly similar, as far as I can tell, in terms of purpose.

So that's my answer.

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

That is quite noble of you, O Beauteous Djamila! However, you have entirely overlooked the obvious duty we all have to consume the earth's resources at a non sustainable rate in order to further a mindless consumerism that can only result in ecological disaster. Doing that is good for the economy. And what is good for the economy is today the one true religion of humanity. I am shocked that your notion of purpose in life contains no reference to growing the economy!

You must be really ugly, Sunstone. Now, don't be offended. I think it makes sense. Good looks and a sense of humor are two great male qualities that don't usually come together in the same package. You have an excellent sense of humor, so... It's not looking good. Hehehe.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Djamila

You must be really ugly, Sunstone. Now, don't be offended. I think it makes sense. Good looks and a sense of humor are two great male qualities that don't usually come together in the same package. You have an excellent sense of humor, so... It's not looking good. Hehehe.

Ah, but my mother is absolutely convinced I am the most handsome of all men. She has told me so herself!

[nutshell]

I was going to post my thoughts, but I see this thread has already been derailed.

[Ody]

Originally Posted by nutshell

I was going to post my thoughts, but I see this thread has already been derailed.

Put it back on track then!

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by nutshell

I was going to post my thoughts, but I see this thread has already been derailed.

Yes, please share your thoughts.