For many theologians, their biggest complaint against atheism is that it would mean there is no grand purpose to our existence. I can understand why they would find that depressing, though of course, that doesn’t have any bearing on whether or not such a purpose really exists. The truth just might be sad. Nevertheless, let’s explore that line of reasoning for just a moment. Should we consider that God exists because the alternative is too depressing?
I recently watched a debate that took place at the University of Kentucky on October 12 of last year. The subject was “Science and Religion: Are they Compatible?” Biology professor Jerry Coyne took the “no” position, and theologian John Haught took the “yes” position. Haught’s main argument for thinking that God exists was based on purpose. Around the six and a half minute mark, he noted that our lives can have purpose and meaning if they contribute to something of lasting value: peace, justice, love, truth, etc. But is there anything comparable in the Universe? Is there a larger point to our collective existence?
This question stuck with me for a while. I think his overall point is that while our lives might have some immediate meaning to ourselves and those around us, if there’s no big purpose for life and humanity as a whole, then it’s all just pointless. But if that’s so, then how is God any different? I know that might sound confusing at first, but bear with me. If the value we create for ourselves is ultimately pointless without a higher purpose, doesn’t that same rationale apply to the concept of God? Theologians maintain that if we were the ultimate intellect in the Universe, then life would be meaningless. Therefore, if God is the ultimate intellect in the Universe, then his life would also be meaningless. His only purpose would be the one he creates for himself, because there’s no higher purpose for him to fulfill. If needing a higher purpose is the only thing that gives us true value, then God has no value either, because no purpose is higher than him.
Of course, in the end, I don’t view things that way. I think the fact that we can give our lives meaning is reason enough to appreciate life. 400 years from now, it’s likely that no one will know or care that I was here. But why should I be overly concerned with people 400 years away? It should be enough to me that my friends and family care that I’m here. I can make a difference in their lives, and I think that’s good enough. Would it be nice to live forever in a place of utter bliss? Sure — who wouldn’t want that? But I don’t have to pretend that such a place exists just to find enjoyment in life. In fact, not worrying so much about what might come after death allows me to focus more on making this life meaningful.
Finding Truth 
@Persto
wtf is an appurtenance?
LikeLike
@portal001
If you’re not hearing voices, you’re out of the loop. I love the way my fish talks to me. And he does it telepathically?
LikeLike
@imbrocata
The thing that strikes me about the existence or non existence of God is that I hear people say, What created the universe if not God?
The answer is usually that he always existed. Yet that answer does have more plausibility in it than one might at first think. Here’s why– The universe exists. We know that. Need I say more? o.O
LikeLike
Hey Nate,
” ‘they’ would find that depressing”. I do, although as time has gone by, somehow I’ve managed to accept it.
LikeLike
I’ll retype that sorry.
If I have a relationship with a pet who interacts with me, then this pet can either see, smell and touch his master, or do all the above.
that is the basis of the relationship. communication, affection ect.
If my brothers cat can neither touch, smell, see, hear or (maybe even taste?) me then how else would this creature be able to interact with me?
Would this be a relationship, If I never directly called my pet to me, why would I punish it if it never came?
Of course we humans can also read, and If God is calling us through other people or through The Bible then thats different. But is this a personal relationship.
Ive asked fellow believers how they have experienced God or how God has responded to them, and alot of what I have recieved from them has been certain situations that they were protected from harm, feelings of peace, Reading His word, Talking to people who might bring up certain things that align with “gods will”
It is advised that I be patient.
LikeLike
I also expanded on that quite a bit
LikeLike
@Donald Miller
Ha it is just an addition or an attachment.
LikeLike
@Nate – I think I love you.
@Donald – You’re not helping you bastard! And where are the Yale lectures on your blog?! I’m on #4 and you pulled em?!
@Persto – Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh. That’s what it meant. Totally over my head dude.
Where was I? Oh yeah! @Portal –
Patience sucks! Don’t ever pray for that no matter what! As for a relationship with God, the first step to get over is to accept that you don’t actually need one with him. Just relax. If he’s there, then he loves you and he will make himself known. It’s gonna be OK. Because it sounds like it’s become this thing where you don’t really know what you’re expecting from him but you are expecting something. From your questions it sounds like you’re getting most of you information about God from the Bible thumper’s and those guys wouldn’t know how to find peace and joy if their life depended on it. Just relax for now and do you best to be a blessing to those around you AND yourself. God will come along for you soon enough. He has far better information about himself and Christianity than any preacher I’ve ever heard.
You be blessed brother.
LikeLike
Persto, Hayden, & Portal — thanks for the comments!
Donald, is your fish called Wanda? 🙂
LikeLike