What is our purpose here on earth?

[The Valkyrie]

To piss of the theists.

[Chas]

If you're an atheist, then I don't see why/how you can say there is any purpose to our existence. If you personally want to live for something, then that's a purpose to you, but other than that, I don't see how you can think there is some sort of grand purpose for the existence of life.

And that would be entirely accurate.  Good job.

[ignoramus]

We all find a purpose to keep going.
You have found yours CL. To believe in something which brings you peace.
Each to their own.

It's not rocket surgery....…

[Jenny A]

If you're an atheist, then I don't see why/how you can say there is any purpose to our existence. If you personally want to live for something, then that's a purpose to you, but other than that, I don't see how you can think there is some sort of grand purpose for the existence of life.

Dead on.  But what I don't get is why you can see this about atheists, without seeing why it is that we don't see any objective morality either.

Oddly enough, I don't think theists really believe the meaning of life or objective morality either.  No.  Wait.  That's not quite what I mean.  What I mean is you seem unable to define objective morality or the meaning of life in anyway other than, "what god wants or plans."  But you seem unable to define what it is he wants or plans.  Thus, no meaning, no objective morality.

[Mystic]

If you're an atheist, then I don't see why/how you can say there is any purpose to our existence. If you personally want to live for something, then that's a purpose to you, but other than that, I don't see how you can think there is some sort of grand purpose for the existence of life.

Dead on.  But what I don't get is why you can see this about atheists, without seeing why it is that we don't see any objective morality either.

Oddly enough, I don't think theist really believe the meaning of life or objective morality either.  No.  Wait.  That's not quite what I mean.  What I mean is you seem unable to define objective morality or the meaning of life in anyway other than, "what god wants or plans."  But you seem unable to define what it is he wants or plans.  Thus, no meaning, no objective morality.

Is this really fair to all my posts about these subjects?

[Jenny A]

Dead on.  But what I don't get is why you can see this about atheists, without seeing why it is that we don't see any objective morality either.

Oddly enough, I don't think theist really believe the meaning of life or objective morality either.  No.  Wait.  That's not quite what I mean.  What I mean is you seem unable to define objective morality or the meaning of life in anyway other than, "what god wants or plans."  But you seem unable to define what it is he wants or plans.  Thus, no meaning, no objective morality.

Is this really fair to all my posts about these subjects?

Well, give it a whirl.  Define meaning in life or objective morality.  If it's god's will, make sure you explain just exactly what that is and how we interpret it.

[ignoramus]

And more importantly Jen, how the fuck he knows.
Anyone can make any stuff up at any time.

You'll need to prove to us MK that it's all real.

[Whateverist]

I'm interested in discussing this with you all here...

When you boil it down, humans exist for one reason only: to make more humans, either directly or indirectly. When you consider other animals, they reproduce in order to continue the lineage, possibly eat other animals, and provide food for other animals. Even at the top of the food chain, a dead animal clearly provides food. So they are part of a chain of dependencies. Humans are really no different in this respect, although the way we do this has far different impacts (a separate discussion).

If you do not have children, you still play a role. Your existence usually requires good and services from others, so you are creating demand. Your job may also enable the continuation of our species, such as being a doctor or teacher. Even if you do not have a job, you consume goods and services from people who exist, in part, to serve society.

Being an relatively new atheist, I no longer believe that we exist to glorify or serve something. We exist to make more of us.

I'd love to explore this more. Any thoughts?

I don't approach my purpose in life in such an abstract and general way.

[Paraselene]

There is no singular purpose for human existence. People who want to boil human existence down to one singular purpose are doing so only for a rather selfish, subjective sense of conformity.

[J a c k]

I'm perfectly fine with there not being a general purpose for us. I think it's great that I wasn't created for something and now I must comply. I'm glad there is no plan from above, no greater destiny, no pre-destination, no calling. It's fucken freedom, baby! What do I want to do with my itty bitty time alive? I get to choose. It feels like I'm flying. Fuck callings and "meant to be" bullshit. I'm good with: they had sex, I made it to birth, I'm here, let's do this! Life is absolutely awesome!