Question for Atheists

[*Deidre*]

The purpose of life is unique for every person. As every person's life is unique. The purpose of a religious person's life, as I was once one, is to keep gazing at a supposed after life. Christians especially have their eyes here, and their eyes focused elsewhere, which to me is a selfish way to live THIS life. Becoming preoccupied with an after life, if one exists, robs a person of his/her life, here and now.

Fixating on an after life to me, cheapens this existence, and how often do we hear Christianity preach that ''we are here temporarily, it's the after life that matters most.''

Sad to me, really.

Christ teachings were quite relevant to life on earth. He was concerned with improving the lot of the poor and sick. He didn't just say "suffer now, but heaven is coming, but healed and fed. His parables were mostly all about life situations which also carried a spiritual message. Christians are concerned with life on earth, as we were called to care for all of creation. I need to support my family and prefer to find work that is satisfying. I've got a house and a couple of cars, but they will be gone some day. I'm always looking for enjoyment in this life, but it is temporary and the best is yet to come. I find enjoyment in commenting on this forum. Of course, there are avenues that I don't pursue because they are against God's desires. But, like I said before, going after those things which provided temporary pleasure, didn't provide fufillment or satisfaction. I have received more satisfaction from christianity. Though I don't see this as happening, if I'm wrong I won't care because there will be nothing left of me after death to regret my life here.

I wish all Christians would speak as you do. You, are speaking from your heart, and not ''preaching.'' For that, I thank you.

I suppose we will all find out for certain, one way or the other, after we die. That's the common ground EVERYONE shares, regardless of the labels.