Originally posted by StarrmanIf there is no meaning to search for, then the search for meaning is meaningless. One would be no worse off sitting at home and arbitrarily assigning the first thing that comes to mind.
Nonsense, you don't define the journey by its finish point and you certainly don't define the direction of it by that either. Knowing where you are going and getting there are different things; my journey has no known finish point, but it is a journey nonetheless and one which has meaning, since I experience upon the journey and seek out new places. As I said before, the search for meaning is enough meaning in itself.
Originally posted by Bosse de NageWouldn't it be natural to search for the cause of this bliss rather than concede it to be without cause?
I am not confusing anything with anything. I am talking about happiness...bliss...which I have experienced on a few occasions, although not as often as I'd have liked.
Originally posted by lucifershammerOh come on, you can search for meaning if you have none to begin with. Or are you suggesting Meno's Paradox?
If there is no meaning to search for, then the search for meaning is meaningless. One would be no worse off sitting at home and arbitrarily assigning the first thing that comes to mind.
Originally posted by StarrmanNo - I'm not talking about Meno's paradox.
Oh come on, you can search for meaning if you have none to begin with. Or are you suggesting Meno's Paradox?
I am saying there is no point in searching for meaning if that meaning does not exist to be found. You'd be no worse off not searching in the first place.
Originally posted by lucifershammerThat is true. But to discover this lack of meaning, you'd have to look. Discovering meaningless would lend meaning to your search.
I am saying there is no point in searching for meaning if that meaning does not exist to be found. You'd be no worse off not searching in the first place.
Originally posted by lucifershammerYou're presuming that there is no meaning before you've even begun searching.
No - I'm not talking about Meno's paradox.
I am saying there is no point in searching for meaning if that meaning does not exist to be found. You'd be no worse off not searching in the first place.
Originally posted by Bosse de NageHow would you know if something has meaning or not?
That is true. But to discover this lack of meaning, you'd have to look. Discovering meaningless would lend meaning to your search.
I have in my home things that are very meaningful to me that others
would just think of as worthless, as I'm sure others do too. Meaning
can come from several places, this is important to me because it
belonged to my dad, that is important because it was what my son
used to do something for the first time. If someone's life is void of
meaning, that says more about that person than it does life itself.
Kelly
Originally posted by Bosse de NageBut, in order to look, you'd have to have some idea of what you're looking for (note to Starrman - this might be Meno's paradox). If there is no meaning to be found, then you cannot have an idea of what meaning you're expecting to find.
That is true. But to discover this lack of meaning, you'd have to look. Discovering meaningless would lend meaning to your search.
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Originally posted by whodeyWell, I think this thread is winding to a close and I think I have proven my point. As for the atheist up until this point, their are no takers who would choose to serve the God of the Bible if they could prove he exists.
The point to this thread is that I don't believe faith has any thing to do with "proving" that God exists. Let me just add that I think this is why God is not in the business of "proving" himself analytically or scientifically.
Originally posted by lucifershammerThe notion that "there must be something out there--something more than this" should be enough to get you started. You need no more precise notion than that. All you'd be looking for is something different, something new.
But, in order to look, you'd have to have some idea of what you're looking for (note to Starrman - this might be Meno's paradox). If there is no meaning to be found, then you cannot have an idea of what meaning you're expecting to find.
Originally posted by whodeyWhat about theists who believe in other gods? Does the god of the Bible ever categorically state that other gods do not exist, or does it merely order its followers not to follow other gods, on pain of pain eternal?
Well, I think this thread is winding to a close and I think I have proven my point. As for the atheist up until this point, their are no takers who would choose to serve the God of the Bible if they could prove he exists.
Originally posted by Bosse de NageThe God of the Bible forbids serving any other gods other than himself. Therefore, if one truley believes that the God of the Bible is God, then they would be foolish to serve other gods.
What about theists who believe in other gods? Does the god of the Bible ever categorically state that other gods do not exist, or does it merely order its followers not to follow other gods, on pain of pain eternal?
Originally posted by whodeyHe also forbids a lot of other things and then, Lo and Behold !, he orders the israelites to do them in mass.
The God of the Bible forbids serving any other gods other than himself. Therefore, if one truley believes that the God of the Bible is God, then they would be foolish to serve other gods.