Purpose of Beliefs: A Discussion w/Friend

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the purpose of beliefs, particularly contrasting personal beliefs about existence and conception with religious beliefs, specifically Christianity. Participants explore the nature of belief, purpose, and the implications of free will in decision-making.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the decision to conceive a child is made by the child rather than the parents, proposing a connectedness that is not fully understood.
  • Another participant argues that creating life is wrong and presents a nihilistic view that life is suffering, suggesting that the only purpose is to survive and seek pleasure.
  • A participant introduces the idea that it is possible to be "right" despite any belief, prompting questions about the morality of beliefs.
  • One participant questions the validity of beliefs and suggests that the purpose of beliefs is not inherent but must be formulated by individuals.
  • Another participant proposes that the decision-making process regarding conception may involve both parents and the child, hinting at a more complex understanding of free will.
  • A later reply encourages the original poster to consider the concept of "process" rather than "purpose" in relation to their beliefs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the purpose of beliefs, with no consensus reached. Some challenge the original belief while others explore different interpretations of purpose and decision-making.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the nature of beliefs and their purposes, with some suggesting that beliefs may not have inherent purposes and must be defined by individuals. The discussion includes various philosophical perspectives without resolving the underlying questions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in philosophical discussions about belief systems, the nature of existence, and the implications of free will may find this discussion relevant.

Gibson
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I had a discussion with a friend of mine today, and I'd like some imput on what to think here?

I had told him something I beleived for a long time now, that it isn't the parents descicion to conceive a child, but the childs descicion to be conceived. Everything is one, connected in some way that we don't understand, and that the an unconscious and non-physical choice would be made to experience life. Now, he is a christian, and said that the purpose of him beleiving in Christianity is to 1. Create a bond with the Creator of the Universe 2. Not go to hell 3. Help others experience this.. he asked me this question, what is the purpose on my beleif.. and I have no idea.. Why do I think this if I have no reason to think it? Is this something beyond explanation? Or what?
 
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First of all, creating life is wrong. Don't have kids. It's a sin. Life is sin. Life is suffering. Life is a gift that is taken away from everyone, so it's not really a gift, it's a loan.

The only purpose of life is to survive as long as possible. Secondary purposes are to be happy through drugs, sex, materialism, music, comedy, murder, power, ect. . . whatever turns your crank.
 
What is the purpose?

That it is possible to be right despite any belief.

A' Priori after lots of a' posteriori.
 
jimmie said:
That it is possible to be right despite any belief
:confused: It is "right" to kill for any belief ?
 
Gibson said:
I had a discussion with a friend of mine today, and I'd like some imput on what to think here?I had told him something I beleived for a long time now, that it isn't the parents descicion to conceive a child, but the childs descicion to be conceived. Everything is one, connected in some way that we don't understand, and that the an unconscious and non-physical choice would be made to experience life. Now, he is a christian, and said that the purpose of him beleiving in Christianity is to 1. Create a bond with the Creator of the Universe 2. Not go to hell 3. Help others experience this.. he asked me this question, what is the purpose on my beleif.. and I have no idea.. Why do I think this if I have no reason to think it? Is this something beyond explanation? Or what?
Are you saying you do not believe in Christianity ? If yes, are you asking for advise why it is valid not to accept Christianity as the "purpose" of how you live your life ? These are very personal questions, please do not respond unless you want to continue what will result in a personal dialog with others.
 
Gibson said:
I had a discussion with a friend of mine today, and I'd like some imput on what to think here?

I had told him something I beleived for a long time now, that it isn't the parents descicion to conceive a child, but the childs descicion to be conceived. Everything is one, connected in some way that we don't understand, and that the an unconscious and non-physical choice would be made to experience life. Now, he is a christian, and said that the purpose of him beleiving in Christianity is to 1. Create a bond with the Creator of the Universe 2. Not go to hell 3. Help others experience this.. he asked me this question, what is the purpose on my beleif.. and I have no idea.. Why do I think this if I have no reason to think it? Is this something beyond explanation? Or what?

Hmm, He asked you what's the purpose of your believe and you couldn't answer. I think It happened so because you used a wrong word. You shouldn't say I believe if you had a strong proof, but I think... Can you have a faith in ideas? Can you say that this idea is good, but you don't know why? Try to study the Bible. You could easily catch your friend in a web.

1. Create a bond with the Creator of the Universe - ask him how this bond between him and the Creator looks like. Show him that you are bonded with God from the day of being born without getting a baptism. Show him that God doesn't have limits and universe is a part of God and so are you.

2. Not go to hell - Bible says that God loves everyone. God doesn't want bad for you, only good. God loves you even if you're an atheist, you stand against God. God's love is the same for every atheist and the most faithful Christian. God is merciful. Ask him, why would God want you to go to hell? Why does he want to take a revenge? It's against the Bible teachings, isn't it? And lastly ask him this specific question, if God gets to choose whether you go to hell, or you don't receive a gift of eternal life, which one do you think God would probably choose? Why?

3. Help others experience this - What does he want others to experience?

It's all what I think. Don't take it word by word because I maybe wrong. Anyway think why

Thanks,
 
Gibson said:
I had a discussion with a friend of mine today, and I'd like some imput on what to think here?

I had told him something I beleived for a long time now, that it isn't the parents descicion to conceive a child, but the childs descicion to be conceived. Everything is one, connected in some way that we don't understand, and that the an unconscious and non-physical choice would be made to experience life. Now, he is a christian, and said that the purpose of him beleiving in Christianity is to 1. Create a bond with the Creator of the Universe 2. Not go to hell 3. Help others experience this.. he asked me this question, what is the purpose on my beleif.. and I have no idea.. Why do I think this if I have no reason to think it? Is this something beyond explanation? Or what?

There is no inherent purpose in any idea or thought that we get. That is, your idea didn't come to you in order to fulfil a certain purpose. It's up to you, and whoever else wants to, to formulate a purpose for it. Your friend doesn't have that problem. The purposes for his beliefs were neatly laid out long ago.

I can't agree with your idea, but if you think it's valid and should have a purpose, then you'll have to figure it out.
 
You might want to think "process" rather than purpose.

As far as it being the child's decision and not the parents, I'll take it two steps farther.

What if it's both of their decisions, but they're not actually the ones making the decsion?

What if "free will" means something more subtle, than it appears to mean?
 

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