Published on 12, July, 2020
I question things all too much, which is a blessing and a curse. It allows me to see through things that others take at face value and not inquire more about. However, it leaves me struggling a lot to find purpose in life. I went through a period of investigating different religions to see which ones aligned with my own beliefs. All of them are beautiful in their own way and offer a humble and purposeful approach to life, however I struggled to really 'get into' any of them, if that makes sense.
Hinduism and Buddhism were highly intriguing since atheism is also mentioned (Buddhism more so, only a small number of Hindus are atheist). Although I'm open that I may be biased towards these due to many of my ancestors likely being Hindu or Buddhist.
The atheistic worldview makes the most sense for my brain ,scientific findings (age of Earth and universe etc) and the theory of evolution seem highly likely in my opinion.
However, I'm not narrow-minded, and I understand that transcendental beliefs can be extremely powerful for other people, and make them better as a whole. Many of the people I get on with are religious, and they know I'm an atheist. They open up to me about their worldview and principles, which is nice.
I can also see how nihilism can come to easy to some atheists, myself included. In my opinion this can be an unhealthy way to live life.
Ultimately for me, the purpose of life is to find purpose and to try to make it a better place for others. Regardless of belief, human decency, respect for others and open-mindedness can be easily achieved. I think this is a philosophy in it's own right, it might be existentialism?
Usually, there's an answer in scripture. But, then, that's just me.
For example, the surface at the top of Mount Everest has the same minerals and surface as found underwater. While there was boat-shaped wood found on Mount Ararat. That seems like compelling evidence to suggest the existence of both Noah's Ark, and the flood associated with it.
Some things are beyond scientific explanation. And science is NEVER settled. That's the take, moreso, after the past half-decade.
The whole argument against religion, a decade and a half ago, was that believers based facts on their opinions. Now, since more is revealed, that it's the nonbelievers who base facts on their opinions.
Desmond79 said:Some things are beyond scientific explanation. And science is NEVER settled.
Ah but that is the beauty of science. It does not claim to know everything which is often the approach of the church.
Science says "from what we can prove now, this explanation fits the fact the best. If we get a better solution in the face of new facts then we will change our explanation"
In essence facts drive science unlike religion which creates bizarre stories to make the facts fit its teachings (eg the dinosaurs were faked by god to make man question gods existance).
When science covers this is says "new uncovered fact mean we need to reconsider how we think the dinosaurs were - what can we prove and build a theory to fit it?"
Religion = facts must be made to fit the stories
Science = stories are made to fit the facts.