Why are we even here?

[MissB]

If we just die, what is the purpose of our lives? - asked my 8 year old last night. You know, sometimes it would be far easier to *not* be an atheist.

[reyd reid reed]

1. I've told my kids

that we're here to take care of the world we live in and pass on to our children and their children, and to try and make a difference in the lives of the people we love and the people we meet.

I know it's pat, but sometimes...

:shrug:

It's a tough question to answer, but not as tough as the 'how does the baby get in the mommy's tummy' right in the middle of someplace like Target or the grocery store.

:eyes:

[mainegreen]

2. Easier not to be an atheist?

Never. Imagine having to explain away religious inconsistencies.
Urng.

Out of curiosity, what did you tell your child?

[MissB]

4. Lots of things.

It started as a discussion about death- a common fear of children this age. The "why are we here" question popped up several minutes into the conversation.

We talked about human life spans. We talked about having children, grandchildren. We talked about famous people that we'll always remember (such as George Washington or Socrates) and talked about autobiographies. We talked about getting sick and having friends die. We talked about love and memory and remembrances. We talked about various afterlife beliefs and myths, and pondered the question of life on other planets and what their afterlife beliefs might be. We talked about individuality and the concept of souls.

It would've been so much easier to tell him he'd go to Heaven and we're here for the glory of a god.

Sigh.

[Shine]

10. There's a great book I found for talking about death with children

it's called, appropriately enough, "What is Death?
http://www.amazon.com/What-Death-Etan-Boritzer/dp/0963759752

It introduces children to the concept of death with examples of customs and beliefs from different religions and cultures. It also challenges them to reflect on the themes of toleraance, identity and generosity.

I heartily recommend it! :thumbsup:

:hi:

[MissB]

16. I'll check that one out.

Thanks! I have a book on creation myths from various cultures, so that would be the perfect addition.

[AllegroRondo]

3. As I told my daughter

being an atheist means you only get one shot at life, so you'd better make it a good one. Experience as much as possible, do everything you can to make the world a better place for others. You dont get a second chance to make amends or ask forgiveness of anyone you may have offended.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

6. no. being an atheist means that you "think" ..

... that you only get one shot.

The great turtle smiles at your foolishness and will give you another shot at getting it right.

:)

[Shine]

11. heheh. I like that.

have you ever heard the expression, "Don't believe everything you think." ?

Your post reminded me of that one.

:hi: from one Great Turtle lover to another....

[redwitch]

5. Kurt Vonnegut has the answer.

"We are put here on this earth to fart around and don't let anybody tell you different".

[Yavin4]

7. I Know The Answer - We're Here To Leave The World A Better Place...

than how we had it, just like our ancestors fought and died to do this for us.

[Shine]

8. To love and be loved.

Interestingly enough, my 10 yr old dtr asked a very similar question just a few days ago:

"Mom, what is the goal of life?" I told her it was to love and be loved.

She thought about it and said, well that means you've already done it. Now what? heheh.

:D

[Rising Phoenix]

9. toast and cereal....

thats what my dad, rip, always told me. When I was little I thought he was nuts...but everytime I asked thats what he told me. Now I realize that he meant its the little things...thats what matters, to appreciate every sweet second.

[Hugin]

17. Good answer...

:)

[dysfunctional press]

12. why does there have to be a reason?

the only 'purpose' of anyone's life is what they decide to make it.

for instance- at this point, the purpose of my life is to make/keep my wife safe and happy.

[Shine]

13. "The only 'purpose' of anyone's life is what they decide to make it"

I totally agree. :thumbsup:

:hi:

[SteppingRazor]

23. Exactly. Did no one listen to Jack Palance in City Slickers?

Curly: Do you know what the secret to life is? (Holds up his index finger) This. One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don't mean shit.

Mitch: That's great, but what's the one thing?

Curly: That's what you gotta figure out.

[Shine]

24. Yup, that was a great scene.

I loved that movie! :hi:

[swag]

14. I'm glad I had a vasectomy.

[Connonym]

15. Literally laughing out loud here

[Parche]

18. LIFE AND DEATH

I dont believe in organised religion, but I am not an 'atheist' either
I do believe in GOD/Creator

We came from somewhere, we will go to somewhere when we die

[ZombieNixon]

19. Pizza, sex, good tunes and the occasional chocolate sundae.

:shrug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

20. I have a headache.

:hi:

[underpants]

21. To produce income to pay taxes so we can have a military

I learned that in high school back in the 80's

[billyskank]

22. Theism doesn't make that question easier to answer

Try this:

"God made us."

"Why?"

"Um..."

Same question, really. I guess nobody said philosophy had to be easy. :)