Nihilism

[Angrboda]

As a theist, I believe that there's a purpose to our existence which is to acknowledge the greatness of our Creator. I think it's very unlikely that the whole universe, the earth, the millions of different animals (including ourselves), are a result of blind and purposeless forces which came about merely as an accident or some kind of a "quantum fluctuation," as some believe. Since it is not an accident, then we are not an accident either, so there's a meaning and a purpose in our lives even though people can also create their own purposes for themselves to live by. Well, at least that's what I make of my existence here.

This is an example of the genetic fallacy, "where a conclusion is suggested based solely on something or someone's origin rather than its current meaning or context. [1]" The idea that the universe was created for a reason does not imply that our creation is on account of that or any other reason. Perhaps the universe was created for the creation of hyper intelligent insects who live one galaxy over, and we're the equivalent of pond scum -- a mere side effect of the way Allah chose to create these insects (through evolution). There's a cute story the title and author of which I don't recall [2], but it tells the story of a Christian appearing before St. Peter at the pearly gates; Peter is baffled by this visitor, and it takes several weeks of figuring it out, consulting various experts, retrieving long forgotten dusty records, to discover who this odd life-form, from some insignificant planet, in an insignificant solar system, in an insignificant galaxy, in an insignificant galactic cluster -- just who this odd peon of no consequence is, and what should be done with him.

[1] Wikipedia: Genetic Fallacy

[2] Correction. It is "The Theologian's Nightmare" by Bertrand Russell (first appearing in Fact and Fiction 1961.)

---

Napoleon666: I'll get back to you. I do have something to say, but I'm experiencing posting fatigue; I feel like I've done nothing but play at these forums the last two days. If I forget, feel free to poke me.