So...just what is your reason and purpose for existence?

[cardero]

S2a writes: OK. Could you then end by qualifying how God has any impact or relevance whatsoever upon your own existence, or directed reason or purpose therein? This is not a "trick question".

In this existence GOD has explained many understandings to me including what is purpose, why we choose purpose and how to recognize it. As I mentioned before there was some discussion between GOD and I that most of our lives are mapped out in advance before we arrive in the physical realm. The reason I brought this into the discussion was because there seems to be an importance to the purpose you propose for this existence. If either of us chose to incarnate as a mosquito, not only would we find it difficult to sustain this conversation but our opportunities for purpose would be different. This basic understanding, whether you choose to entertain the belief or not, is a significant foundation to purpose and is essential to understanding why we are here as a human (rather than a cat) and what we are capable of accomplishing within our lifetime. Do we have the ability to change or derail this purpose? Yes. Could anyone have explained a way to recognize purpose to me or the reason we choose purpose? Probably, but I do not think they could have been as thorough without projecting their own feelings or purpose. Humans have a tendency to advise and promote purpose to others based on their life perspective and what they believe is appropriate for them. Infant baptism is a good example of this. GOD has no such agenda.

S2a writes: Let's remain within the realm of what we can palpably know or experience in the here and now, shall we?

Like I mentioned before this is very difficult because there is the possibility that “the here and now” has already been properly planned in advance but in respect to your beliefs or unless I am prompted, I will try to refrain from referring from all matters spiritual.

S2a writes: I don't "mind" your belief in any particular unproven quantity. But you errantly suggest [and subsequently infer] that an "existent possibility" [of a god] is left open on my part. This false allusion promotes an unacceptable evaluation of my perspective. In my view, there is more than sufficient reasonable doubt to satisfactorily invalidate all claims of supernaturalistic influence, or cause/effect explanations.

Even if there was empirical evidence of a Supreme BEing and the truth was made absolutely clear that GOD existed it shouldn’t make a difference, you could still continue your purpose, even if that purpose was to remain atheist.

S2a writes: Cool. Then what purpose would a God serve in any determination of a personalized realization of purpose or reason in/of/for existence? In other words, if reason and purpose in a veritable and mortal existence can be realized by anyone, absent ANY god-belief...then what purpose within such an existence would a God need fulfill?

That is a good question and in all my dealings with GOD there has not been any evidence that GOD needed anything fulfilled from humans and the purposes that people have thought that GOD needed fulfilling, have not been handled carefully or with much certainty.

Cardero writes:I find as an acquaintance GOD’s purpose is experienced well.

S2a writes: By whom? Yourself?

Actually my relationship with GOD is inclusive to anyone who will listen.

S2a writes: How is your personalized understanding/experience of any relevance, significance, impact, or import upon anyone or anything else.

They can glean understanding from this experience if this brand of understanding holds any relevance to their life but from my understanding it would seem more sensible for interested individuals to set up their own account.

S2a writes: How does your "acquaintance" with God define or influence your own purpose?

I would define this in the same capacity of other people who have crossed my existence. In previous posts, I have mentioned that there are entities that are integral to our purpose. They may suggest, guide and advise (teachers and counselors come to mind). I believe GOD falls into this category for me. You may correct me if I am mistaken but surely you have also had other people who have influenced or inspired interest or purpose in your life and/or have helped you arrive to where you are today.

S2a writes: OK. I'll gladly assume the perspective of an unbeliever for the sake of your premise. You suggest that "purposes" need not "be served"; but that very statement infers that "purposes" are unavoidably inherent [or otherwise bestowed] within us all. If this is so, then from whence does such inevitability spring?

For some people purpose is easily recognized. I read biographical material about many different people and sometimes there seems to be a moment in their lives that literally hits them over their head, a moment that seems to resonate within them about why they are here. There are other people who once they have settled in to this physical existence realize they have to get “back on the path” and seriously question about why they are here. There is no news service that announces when purpose is realized or fulfilled. As mentioned previously, sometimes that realization is recognized before they die, because they are dead, or dare I believe, after this existence is over and they have crossed over into the spiritual existence.

S2a writes: Why should "purposes" be "realized"?

Personally speaking, so you can get them done and over with. I think there are people who would prefer to discover direction for their lives.

S2a writes: By what standard and measure?

Though there is no surefire way to measure purpose there should be a concern about measuring yourself up to others. Teenagers are sometimes notorious for this. Celebrities and singers can sometimes influence teens until all they can think about is fame and fortune or at least imitating the glamour that they see. I believe that the reason most impressionable teenagers do not become superstars is because they realize that this is not their purpose.

S2a writes: To whom or what should any unrealized purposes be accountable beyond oneself?
Is there any befallen consequence to/of/for an "unrealized purpose"?

No consequence, this would also depend on the individual and we did discuss “do overs”. An unrealized purpose can also be recognized in this time. Many people have pondered over missed opportunities and how life would be different if they had taken a certain path. Sometimes regret sets in and people have difficulty living within themselves. Some people have gotten back on the path and some people have not regretted missed opportunity but have continued with their life, possibly fulfilling other purposes. The only person you have to answer to for missed purposes is yourself.

 

[cardero]

S2a writes: And this nugget significantly differs from an atheistic perspective in what meaningful or quantifiable way?

No difference that I can discern. The ability to “stop, listen, what’s that sound, everybody look what’s going round” should be made available to everyone regardless of what they believe.

S2a writes: I'd like to be wealthy enough not to have to concern myself [ever again] with estimations of personal wealth. That's where I "want to be"...but then again, personal wealth (or accumulation thereof) has absolutely nothing to do with estimations of my personal satisfaction or self-worth.

And I am glad that you realize this. The only success (and I can barely refer to it in that sense) that comes with purpose is that it is fulfilled and/or accomplished. It may not even be all of your purposes it could just be one.

Some people may also be letting something else define their purpose (for example, the illusion that society promotes that money = wealth).This is actually the same belief that some religious people have, that a Supreme BEing is passing out purposes (except that their riches are secured elsewhere?). One of the major rewards to purpose is the knowledge and the experience and both can be cherished in this lifetime.

S2a writes: "This lifetime"? Have we even yet definitively established that other lifetimes are somewhere down the pike? As far as I know, or you can demonstrably prove, this lifetime is the only one that is assured.

That again is up to the individual. Some spiritual entities have not incarnated into a physical existence (GOD would be an example of this). For some entities this is their first and last time they will be incarnating into this particular physical existence (on planet earth or as a human). This again is speculative but may be relative (or at least considered) to the accumulative experience and possibly overall purpose of the individual (or it may not). I have been examining this theory from many different instances and perspectives. There is also the understanding that has been related to me that if you do not want to exist at all (for example spiritually or physically) or if you preferred to experience non-existence (nothing) this also can be arranged for you.

S2a writes: I bear no purposed intent to appear boorish or rude, but your tendered "insights" [re: my own "path"] are of neither value nor import to me.

Um…okay?

S2a writes: I unabashedly state that my own reasons and purpose in existence are of my own divination, unattributed to any other source material or faith-based inspiration.

From what I know of you, I think that this is safe to assume.

S2a writes: I assert that my existence is finite, and will serve no motivationally ulterior [being either "greater" or extended] "purpose" after I'm dead.

And you sir, would be within your rights unless-
You have effected (infected?) or inspired someone else within your life (family businesses just came to mind).

S2a writes: If you can acknowledge the perspective that I've offered above, then you must concede that god-belief is quite irrelevant [and unnecessary] to such a perspective.

Not only would I acknowledge your perspective but I would respect it too. There are many things that I agree with. GOD is not for everyone.

S2a writes: If a god has a compelling interest in human choices regarding self-assignations of reason and purpose in/of/for existence (I don’t believe GOD has a “compelling interest” in our purpose), how then can any observant (or piously adherent) "believer" faithfully distance themselves from their (own) god's interests, whilst placating and deferentially serving their own personalized interests?

The first thing I would suggest would be to get out from under the faith. Hoping or constantly worrying if any entity is approving or blessing your every event may be constrictive to movement and the realization for reaching out and enacting on purpose. This could stem from an insecurity that their lives aren’t being approved or acknowledged as much by their fellow humans, so creating a deity that rewards and punishes life purpose ensures that the individual’s life is constantly being monitored and that their actions (or non-actions) though not necessarily perceived to be all that significant to them, must hold importance and are endorsed by a Supreme BEing.

S2a writes: [ie., if it doesn't matter (absent meaningful consequence) as to what you say, think, or do - in the estimation/measure of an allegedly interested Creator/god - then how does that perspective differ in ANY significant way from that offered at the behest of an heretical unbeliever?]

This again has to do with the individual and how much approval they seek for the things they do in their lives. If not from someone who believes in GOD, then there are other means to seek approval elsewhere. This is called “How Am I Doing?” and if it is something that you have to ask others it is because you yourself don’t know.

 

[cardero]

S2a writes: You continue to dance about, and avoid concise answer to the question at hand regarding your own personalized understanding of your own reason and purpose in/of/for existence.

Dancing is good, it is when I stop dancing that I should become concerned. There may be several reasons for this 1) I do not think anyone is interested in my purpose or reason for existence. 2) I am encouraging many purposes and I have not yet determined how some purposes apply to my whole existence. There have been many events that have happened in my life and not enough time to determine what these events mean to me (personally) or for others.

S2a writes: Your philosophic perspectives, metaphors, and ruminations are interesting in application/contemplation regarding how others might express or manifest their qualifications of a reasoned/purposed existence, but as such, these say nor reflect nothing of your own unique understanding and perspective to the OP premised question at hand.

Are you disappointed by this? I think we can learn a lot from others regarding purpose or what they perceive their purpose to be or how they have come to the conclusion of their purposes. This may not completely fulfill the purpose of the original OP but goes a long way to fulfilling RF’s purpose.

S2a writes: Can you not, or will you not actually lend answer (of/by/for yourself) to the initial question put?

Would you now care to enlighten REF members [or just little 'ole me] as to what your especial boundaries/qualities of existence may be, absent some monetary contribution in support of your literary insights?

Put another way....
"So...just what is your reason and purpose for existence?"

Just your own. Personal. Simple...
...whether or not it satisfies or incorporates anything that God may have whispered in your ear...

I have actually surmised so far that my purpose is to continue creating, to enlighten through creation, to touch and appeal through creation. I am here to not only to concentrate on my individuality but possibly help others to realize their own. There is a good chance that I am here to effect others lives as well. I am here to love, grow and learn. I am here to accumulate wisdom, knowledge, understanding and experiences. These purposes may not be unique or even original but they do seem to be sincere and evident. The only questions I have for my purpose so far, is my present occupation (which seems to have designated a disagreeable purpose for itself) and the next topic you are about to discuss.

S2a writes: I applaud your scholarship and success in provision of a salable work such as "Hello It's Me - An Interview with God"; in which you propose to lend definitive answer(s) to such questions as:

Actually the entity that co-wrote the book makes these claims of lending definitive answers with no indication that he/she wants them back. The skeptic in me is still researching these claims.

S2a writes: Must I buy your book to learn your answer as to the "true meaning of life", or "how to find our own purpose and utilize it to its full potential"?

(laughing) No, after 3000 posts it is safe to assume that the whole book is already available (although scattered) on RF including bonus appendixes. You may be interested in the “true meaning of life” but you remind me of a person that has no trouble securing and recognizing purpose for yourself.

S2a writes: I'm always willing to momentarily indulge "The correct meaning of Truth, Love and Understanding"...so long as I am permitted to question and challenge the assumptions and "corrections" tendered for my prospective erudition and benefit.

I believe that GOD understands that human quality which is why I believe he/she has made him/herself readily available for further questioning and understanding. Keep in mind that some understanding may require more than a passing moment of indulging.

S2a writes: I dare say that He might have an agenda that manifestly differs from your own.

Or it may be correct to assume that our agendas do cross and I haven’t been able to admit or identify it yet but I certainly wouldn’t put faith in it.

S2a writes:Obviously you have enjoyed the benefit of a personal dialogue with the Almighty.

It is the reason I go back for more. The moment I don’t enjoy it or find it unnecessary will be the moment when we part company (no hard feelings).

S2a writes: Perhaps it is your intensely great personal fortune and opportunity to pursue your own interests as equal to, or beyond, the otherwise plebeian concerns or plans of God Himself. Lucky you. Lucky me too.

Whether these interests or events seem fortunate or unfortunate, I do not think these purposes should be determined or judged by others nor do I think that misplaced accusations (God, why have you forsaken me or the devil made me do it) are going to bring us any closer to realizing individual purpose.

 

[logician]

I believe the universe is chaotic.

 

[Ody]

I have decided my reason for existence, is to fix and mend my world as best as i possibly can.

 

[EnhancedSpirit]

ooh, ooh, I know the answer to this one.

Some people never forget their purpose, an artist knows, a musician knows, a teacher knows, a preacher knows, a doctor knows. For me it took some serious soul searching to remember what the heck I was doing here. But I finally came to the realization that I chose my parents and my particular spot in life in order to remember unconditional love. (it has not been easy lessons either)

I do this by seeking wisdom and helping others, and by creating Heaven on earth and I helping lift up the spirit of mankind.

The 'career' I have chosen to accomplish this is being a Life Coach, and I also practice Reiki, as well as being an ordained minister, so Reiki can also be called 'laying of hands'. I am a healer, not just in the physical sense, but also in the spiritual sense. I have always been drawn to all forms of psychology, and what to know not 'who you are' but 'why you are'.

(that's the long answer)

The short answer is I came here to create Heaven on Earth and to get others to do the same.

 

[Carlos Andres Restrepo]

To Learn And Never Get The Final Answer. If I Get It, I Would Stop Learning...who Wants That?

 

[kai]

my purpose in life is to procreate,to ensure the onward momentum of my genes, any thing else is but the product of my mind.

 

[Evandr2]

Consider this, truth is and always will be. There are two principles of existence that comprise the basis of the physical universe.

First, there is that which acts. Second, there is that which is acted upon. All creation is governed by these two principles, simplistic as they may be.

If truth is absolute regardless of knowledge what is the point in anything? Pursuit of knowledge or capability is a process of discovering what already exists. That leaves the question when knowledge is perfect, "What Next?” That seems a rather dismal state of being until one realizes that there IS something that does not exist in any form or fashion until it is created. It is the only thing worthy of the pursuit of God.

What I refer to is joy and happiness. The perpetuation of these precious emotions to others is the only thing of worth to any eternal being who already has achieved omnipotence. Joy is the one thing that does not fade with experience. It is always received as something new, of great worth regardless of past experience. That will remain true through all eternity.

It is God's ultimate purpose to perpetuate the spread of joy throughout all eternal creation forever and ever. The problem arises when one considers that the power of God to spread joy is also the power to spread pain and discord. Such power and ability is something that the intellectual mind must be prepared and found worthy to receive. The glory and power of God is not a gift that is randomly given nor does it come in a Cracker Jack Box for anybody lucky enough to find it. Such ability is garded by all creation and it will not be given to someone who will abuse it to any degree.

The purpose for my existence is to have joy. My intent is to learn what true happiness is and spread that joy to others by keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ (wickedness is not happiness). My goal is to prove worthy to have bestowed upon me the ability to perpetuate that process with the same power that my Father in Heaven does.

If I am not found worthy to have such trust placed in me, I will have to receive a lesser state of being through the eternities. I will still experience joy far beyond anything I currently know but it will not be pure because I will also have the anguish associated with the realization that I failed to inherit all that my Heavenly Father worked so hard to make me worthy of. If I fail to reach my ultimate goal for existence, the ultimate ability to perpetuation joy, the failure will be mine alone.

Vandr

 

[Carlos Andres Restrepo]

my purpose in life is to procreate,to ensure the onward momentum of my genes, any thing else is but the product of my mind.

YEAH! TO PROCREATE ROCKS!!!!:drunk:

 

[cardero]

ooh, ooh, I know the answer to this one.

Some people never forget their purpose, an artist knows, a musician knows, a teacher knows, a preacher knows, a doctor knows. For me it took some serious soul searching to remember what the heck I was doing here. But I finally came to the realization that I chose my parents and my particular spot in life in order to remember unconditional love. (it has not been easy lessons either)

GOD likes to use the word REMEMBER with me. In other words anyone can REMEMBER why they are here. It is still difficult because there are many experiences to examine in this lifetime and no definite time limit in which to do them (unless of course I REMEMBER my date of departure).
I have always impressed easily and always been obsessed with seeing my interests through. It takes a great deal of humbleness and dedication to see purpose through. It may even mean sacrifice in some areas of our lives. Since we live in the land of instant gratification, I believe that there are some purposes that don’t even reap results until way after we have passed from this planet (like artist’s paintings becoming more famous or valuable after the artist’s death). I also believe the most difficult purposes are the most challenging.

 

[s2a]

Evandr2 said:

Consider this, truth is and always will be. There are two principles of existence that comprise the basis of the physical universe.

First, there is that which acts. Second, there is that which is acted upon. All creation is governed by these two principles, simplistic as they may be.

In other words...cause and effect. Do go on...

If truth is absolute regardless of knowledge what is the point in anything? Pursuit of knowledge or capability is a process of discovering what already exists.

How profound. Futility is defined by pursuit of the non-existent....like...searching for an invisible god?

That leaves the question when knowledge is perfect, "What Next?” That seems a rather dismal state of being until one realizes that there IS something that does not exist in any form or fashion until it is created. It is the only thing worthy of the pursuit of God.

Obviously, I don't share your degree of enlightenment and revelation. What you just said comes across as so much Jabberwocky.

What I refer to is joy and happiness. The perpetuation of these precious emotions to others is the only thing of worth to any eternal being who already has achieved omnipotence. Joy is the one thing that does not fade with experience. It is always received as something new, of great worth regardless of past experience. That will remain true through all eternity.

Sorry. Perpetual "joy and happiness" is not an attainable state amongst normally cognizant humans (perhaps achievable amongst those of severe mental retardation, ie. "ignorance is bliss"; but those less "blessed" must endure sadness, loss, and grief along with the rest of us mere mortals). Can anyone claim to understand (much less desire) that which surpasses either comparison or understanding? I find your claim to be a stated "absolute", and thusly by your own descriptor as therefore being "pointless".

It is God's ultimate purpose to perpetuate the spread of joy throughout all eternal creation forever and ever.

Oh? What is the foundation of this claim? Is it readily referenced in Biblical scripture? Why would (or should) God care? Does He fear being alone? How long did He sit upon His omnipotent haunches (playing solitaire?) before speaking Creation into existence? A trillion years?
Is mankind's fate - amongst the billions of galaxies each filled with billions of stars, and trillions of planets - to be no more than a chosen select of perpetually happy idiots worshipping some deity into infinite eternity because of His supposedly singular attentions upon one species (amongst millions others), on one planet, orbiting one star, in a remote location of one arm of one galaxy amongst the billions upon billions of other similar locales within the observable cosmos? One at least has to wonder why God would "create" so many other prospective distractions of HIs attentions...just for us...or you.

The problem arises when one considers that the power of God to spread joy is also the power to spread pain and discord. Such power and ability is something that the intellectual mind must be prepared and found worthy to receive. The glory and power of God is not a gift that is randomly given nor does it come in a Cracker Jack Box for anybody lucky enough to find it. Such ability is garded by all creation and it will not be given to someone who will abuse it to any degree.

No problem at all. How benevolent and wise inasmuch is such a power wielded. Pain now, and perhaps forever. Joy now, and perhaps forever. Glorious. Fair. Just. Tough luck for the intellectual morons...

The purpose for my existence is to have joy. My intent is to learn what true happiness is and spread that joy to others by keeping the commandments of Jesus Christ (wickedness is not happiness).

How's it going so far? Ever been "truly happy" yet? Been able to transfer that feeling to others as yet? Does any failure to attain or sustain such goals make you unhappy? If your lifelong goals are fulfilled, I put to you what you so succinctly put before for any to answer: "What Next?". If you are perpetually and forever filled with joy and happiness, what goals will you seek to attain? If everyone that surrounds you is likewise fulfilled, then what purpose would you serve? What would you do? What hurt would you mend, or pain would you ameliorate? What message would you spread? What would you DO?

My goal is to prove worthy to have bestowed upon me the ability to perpetuate that process with the same power that my Father in Heaven does.

I'll need some details before I set Heaven as a goal.
Care to elaborate any...here?:
"So What's so great about a Christian Heaven?".

If I am not found worthy to have such trust placed in me, I will have to receive a lesser state of being through the eternities. I will still experience joy far beyond anything I currently know but it will not be pure because I will also have the anguish associated with the realization that I failed to inherit all that my Heavenly Father worked so hard to make me worthy of. If I fail to reach my ultimate goal for existence, the ultimate ability to perpetuation joy, the failure will be mine alone.

Jeez, it sounds quite akin to living in the here and now...with no god-belief at all.
Accountability.
Responsibility.
Appreciation and acceptance of the finite nature of existence itself, except...no funny hats, rites, rituals, or supplications of superior supernatural entities required.

Consider this, if you will...

"I salute you.

There is nothing I can give you which you have not,
but there is much that while I cannot give,
you can take.

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take heaven.

No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take peace.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.
Take joy.

And so at this Christmastime,
I greet you, with the prayer
that for you,
now and forever,
the day breaks
and the shadows
flee away."

-- Fra Giovanni Giocondo [excerpted] (c.1435–1515)

Works for me...;-)

 

[darkpenguin]

The purpose of life, hmmm lets think about this, It's to live and pro-create.
And also not let bordom infest our lives.
"All the wonders of the world to explore and humans still invent bordom"-Death, The Hogfather.

 

[s2a]

An Itty bitty and most likely unsuccessful bump...

 

[Sir Doom]

I believe my purpose is to gain as much power as I possibly can. The purpose of that, is to enable future life to do the same with a 'leg up' so to say. The purpose of that, is to become god. The purpose of that is to control purpose.

So my purpose is to control purpose. Stupid, right?

 

[s2a]

I believe my purpose is to gain as much power as I possibly can. The purpose of that, is to enable future life to do the same with a 'leg up' so to say. The purpose of that, is to become god. The purpose of that is to control purpose.

So my purpose is to control purpose. Stupid, right?

Well... at least it's something to go on for today I suppose...

 

[Sir Doom]

Well... at least it's something to go on for today I suppose...

Haha, I think about this kinda junk a lot. Not that it helps.

 

[Nakosis]

The way I look at it is that we all together bring about the future. Everything working together to make the next moment in time. Our influence may not be what we expect but we will influence it in some way. Some individuals may have a greater influence then others but everyone will necessarily play their part in shaping the future.

“Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it”. Mahatma Gandhi

 

[s2a]

The way I look at it is that we all together bring about the future. Everything working together to make the next moment in time. Our influence may not be what we expect but we will influence it in some way. Some individuals may have a greater influence then others but everyone will necessarily play their part in shaping the future.

“Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it”. Mahatma Gandhi

There is some wisdom there... I can practically smell it

 

[Penumbra]

I pretty much view it like this:

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&...w=167&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:76http://www.bengaliska.com/eat.jpg

I don't believe we have purposes other than ones we give ourselves.