THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE

Does life have an intrinsic, God-given meaning and purpose? Atheists, naturalists, materialists, and evolutionists answer “No.” Instead, we live in a mindless and meaningless universe. Therefore, we have to create our meaning and purpose for ourselves.

This was the subject of a secular discussion group I just attended. One atheist stated:

·       I don’t need a god to give me meaning. I find meaning when I see a mother with her baby and the love they share.

Perhaps he does see meaning, but I also thought that there was something he failed to recognize. Therefore, I responded:

·       I think that you too acknowledge that life has a meaning apart from what we create for ourselves. You too don’t simply ascribe your compassion to meaningless bio-chemical internal reactions. Instead, just as a Christian would, you ascribe meaning to what your bio-chemically, materially induced feelings tell you. You interpret them as pointing to something that transcends these reactions, which enlivens them with meaning.

Sadly, he ignored the implications of my statement, claiming that I didn’t understand him. However, I did understand.

His response was reflective of atheists and evolutionists in general. They are unable to live consistently with the materialistic implications of their beliefs that nothing has any inherent meaning or objectively moral significance. They are coerced to find meaning in places where they deny meaning. They know that there are objective moral laws and a higher meaning that defines us, even as they deny these truths. Therefore, they stand guilty before God:

·       For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:20-21; ESV)

They gladly take God’s gifts but reject the gift-Giver. Consequently, they experience His condemnation. No wonder they hate Him. Nevertheless, God loves them and so must we!