02 Jan '11 23:05>5 edits
It is claimed by certain theists that if it is true there are no gods then it must also be true that life is meaningless.
My contention here is that the theists who do this are essentially redefining 'meaningless' so to cast atheism or non-belief in gods in a negative light.
Indeed no definitions of meaningful, or meaningless I have come across make any reference to divine entities.
Why should we accept the proposition that an eternal existence, lived subservient to some magic being in some sort of heaven is any more meaningful than a finite existence lived, as a consequence of this, without any waste in opportunity; an existence that benefits ones self and other humans/creatures whilst alive, and provides a legacy for future generations when dead (and in the case of certain scientists/mathematicians/writers etc... all humanity)?
To those who would counter "all life must end" in the atheistic view, first it is interesting to note you're imposing that our universe is not destined for a big crunch Reveal Hidden Content
Secondly, and more importantly, what non-trivial meaning is inherent in an eternal life for the sake of gratifying the ego of some magic deity??? Why should atheists agree that your answer is true???😕
My contention here is that the theists who do this are essentially redefining 'meaningless' so to cast atheism or non-belief in gods in a negative light.
Indeed no definitions of meaningful, or meaningless I have come across make any reference to divine entities.
Why should we accept the proposition that an eternal existence, lived subservient to some magic being in some sort of heaven is any more meaningful than a finite existence lived, as a consequence of this, without any waste in opportunity; an existence that benefits ones self and other humans/creatures whilst alive, and provides a legacy for future generations when dead (and in the case of certain scientists/mathematicians/writers etc... all humanity)?
To those who would counter "all life must end" in the atheistic view, first it is interesting to note you're imposing that our universe is not destined for a big crunch Reveal Hidden Content
where perhaps life may start again in another universe cycle
, or that our universe is not one of many,Reveal Hidden Contenti.e. a multiverse
or any other scenario (sans gods) where life in any dimension must terminate forever. How do you justify these?
Secondly, and more importantly, what non-trivial meaning is inherent in an eternal life for the sake of gratifying the ego of some magic deity??? Why should atheists agree that your answer is true???😕