a reason for everything?

is there a reason for everything, or is it all pointless?

The answer depends on which of two stories you choose to believe. (There are other stories, but these are the most likely.)

Story 1:

The first story says that a god created the universe and set it up so human life would emerge. He (or she, or it - it's hard finding the right pronouns for a god!) intended for us to be conscious, rational, moral, spiritual beings, with the freedom to make choices. God's intention was that we would use this life to make good choices - to do good, to care for the earth, and (perhaps) to believe in him.

Of course, if this story is true, we still have to decide which god we believe in, but most religions would agree with this story. In this story, the reason for everything is clear, and life has a purpose - to live in the way that pleases God, to care for each other and God's creation.

Story 2:

The second story says that there is no god, and matter is all there is. For all we know, the universe might never have existed, or it might have been completely different and we wouldn't be here to know. Life originated by chance, and we have evolved to suit the conditions on earth. Believing in a god is just a delusion, a strange result of evolution. There is no "bigger purpose", no objective standard of morality, and our freedom to choose is illusory.

If this story is true, we have to determine our own purpose in life. Some would say we should leave the world a better place, others that we should enjoy it while we can, others that despair is the only reasonable response.

What's your story?

Thus, to answer this question, we need to decide whether we think the universe was created by a god, or whether you think it just happened. To think about this some more, you may like to read clues (to the purpose of life).

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