Struggling to answer DC questions about the meaning of life

[Howmanysyllabasisthat]

Eldest DC is not a typical teenager in many respects. Very thoughtful, questioning, highly academic wants to be a Doctor etc and apply to medical school. Always been a bit morbid and clinical about things like the dead rabbit etc didn’t get too upset - more than average life expectancy etc comments. When much younger I thought they were so matter of fact I wondered about the lack of empathy. That changed as they grew and they are kind and compassionate.

Lockdown is fine. Has thrown themselves into school work etc - great but...
Asking more and more questions daily on what on Earth the point of it all is? They have investigated all the religions and come to the conclusion they are all stories, no one having more rights over what is true than others. Been to church, synagogue, Hindu temple etc and really tried to explore them all. Thinks they are all made to make humans try to feel better that life has a purpose when it doesn’t. Has become very cynical - we work, pay tax, to support those that can’t, those that play the system or the elite. And then we die and are forgotten like little ants - was the comment today. I was a Christian but I don’t believe any more although I’d like to. Walking a popular walk that went past a cemetery today they asked to walk inside - lots of children graves, I got emotional and they said at least they didn’t have the stress of life, not meant unkindly but as in life is not hearts and roses but bloody tough. I’ve had a tough life and she sees others elderly and in pain, family trauma (one of her friend’s gran for example is estranged from her friend’s mum and everyone unhappy about it) etc and they are really questioning me on ‘what’s the point of it all?’ Their grandparents (my parents) are atheists who helpfully are ‘no point we are all work food. We live for holidays and nice weather etc - my Dc worries about me - my ex was abusive and has no contact with myself or them. I think they worry that I will be alone without them, but it’s all a bit depressing and morose. Any good books for them? Or things to look at? I told them today that philosophers have been looking at the meaning of life for thousands of years and we still don’t have a good answer. Any pointers? Conversation techniques of it.

What does anyone really think is the meaning of life?
Is anyone really happy? Etc are daily questions

@youvegottenminuteslynn

And it is We who have constructed the heaven with might, and verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it. (Qur'an, chapter 51, verse 47)

What 'established fact' does this contain?

So, you don't have any answer for what is mention in the other verses you issues with one's you don't have any understanding or knowledge of?

It is sufficient for to say, go and ask scientists who know about expanding universe.

And surely, We have created many of the jinns and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones.
(Qur'an, chapter 7:179)

I recently read “4 thousand weeks” and found it quite good to address this question

One thing to take away from it is be thankful. You could so easily not have been born, not have a life to even be asking the question.

It’s more about what do you do next - how do you want to spend the time you have?

@youvegottenminuteslynn

And it is He who has created from water a human being and made him [a relative by] lineage and marriage. And ever is your Lord competent [concerning creation]. (Qur'an, chapter 25, verses 53-54)

And this one? What established fact does it contain?

Disclaimer: it's late and I'm tired, so maybe I'm missing something obvious!

You may want to ask Professor Brian Cox (his not a Muslim scientist) about the science verses that you don't understand or have no knowledge about.

And ask him how could someone 1,400 years a go know these?

It's not my job to convince anyone to believe or not, that's up to each individual to choose and decide.

I am not responsible for you, neither you are responsible for me.

It's not my job to convince anyone to believe or not, that's up to each individual to choose and decide.

I am not responsible for you, neither you are responsible for me.

I'm aware of that, thanks.

I thought that when religious people share scripture they are open to explaining it to people outside of the religion without being rude, implying they aren't bright enough to understand or using a 'do your own research' type line.

Guess I was wrong to ask questions.

Maybe practice what you presumably preach when it comes to being kind and tolerant? Just a thought.

@Memeandmeagain, are you on glue? What ‘scientific truths’ do you believe are in the verses you’ve quoted from the Quran? That a deity invented iron? That those who reject said deity’s revelations are sent to eternal fiery punishment in which, when one skin is burnt off, this ‘almighty, all-seeing’ deity helpfully provides the damned person with a brand-new one, so the pain can continue?

Are you actually saying people should believe in one of the Abrahamic faiths because if they don’t, they face a nasty post-mortem life of eternal punishment?

Lots of us grew up on that hellfire nonsense. Lots of us grew out of it.

@youvegottenminuteslynn

It's not my job to convince anyone to believe or not, that's up to each individual to choose and decide.

I am not responsible for you, neither you are responsible for me.

I'm aware of that, thanks.

I thought that when religious people share scripture they are open to explaining it to people outside of the religion without being rude, implying they aren't bright enough to understand or using a 'do your own research' type line.

Guess I was wrong to ask questions.

Maybe practice what you presumably preach when it comes to being kind and tolerant? Just a thought.

It wasn't my intention to be rude or condescending. If that's how it came across then I do apologise.

The point about doing your own research is so that one is not accused of being influenced by another but to come to your own conclusion using your own reasoning.

There is no compulsion in beliefs, you believe what you think is right. Others may disagree and that's fine.

Long as you are happy and your heat is content, it's not anyone else's business (to put it bluntly).

I have read the Qur'an and I have complete certainty that it is from the one and only God. The God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all).

Muslims do not distinguish between any of them. Their message was same, believe in one God and worship Him alone without associating anyone else with Him.

Now, someone else might come to a different conclusion after reading the Qur'an and that is absolutely fine.

At least they made the choice themselves and not been pressured into it by anyone else.

P. S. You cannot become a Muslim even if you wanted to unless you freely chose to. You worship God because you want to and not because of any other people.

I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding.

Peace.

[quote Negligee]@Memeandmeagain, are you on glue? What ‘scientific truths’ do you believe are in the verses you’ve quoted from the Quran? That a deity invented iron? That those who reject said deity’s revelations are sent to eternal fiery punishment in which, when one skin is burnt off, this ‘almighty, all-seeing’ deity helpfully provides the damned person with a brand-new one, so the pain can continue?

Are you actually saying people should believe in one of the Abrahamic faiths because if they don’t, they face a nasty post-mortem life of eternal punishment?

Lots of us grew up on that hellfire nonsense. Lots of us grew out of it.[/quote]
Sorry, do not understand what you mean by, are you on glue?

If you don't believe in God that is absolutely fine. I will not be asked about what you did and neither would you be asked about what I did.

There's nothing in the verses I quoted should affect you is there?

The paradise, hellfire, punishment and burning doesn't apply to you.

It does affect me because I believe in God so, I try my best to live my life according to how God wants me to live. It's a daily struggle (Jihad), but persevere as much as possible.

Peace.

It wasn't my intention to be rude or condescending. If that's how it came across then I do apologise.

Apology accepted if it's genuine, though I'm not sure how else you thought your wording and tone would come across!

And yes everyone has their own path - I'm glad you find peace in your religion, just as I find peace in my atheism.

@Memeandmeagain

Did you actually just resurrect this thread to promote your religion?

I don't know anyone who thinks we evolved from monkeys. Because that's not how evolution works.

[quote kmblark]@Memeandmeagain

Did you actually just resurrect this thread to promote your religion?

I don't know anyone who thinks we evolved from monkeys. Because that's not how evolution works.[/quote]
Clearly, If you had read it properly, you would have seen the truth. It wasn't me who resurrected this thread. I merely suggested to OP of an alternative for their inquisitive DC.

Sufficient for you is the following:

Meaning in English:

"The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries [i.e., cattle or sheep] - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand." (Qur'an, 2:171)

*Clearly, If you had not read it properly

Quoting religious scripture that calls non believers 'deaf, dumb and blind' isn't a particularly efficient way of encouraging them to even explore your religion. Oh well.

Ah, so upu actually came here to insult people.

@Memeandmeagain — what an appropriate username, though it suggests far more acute self-knowledge than in any of your witlessly dogmatic quote-posts — does your version of theAbrahamic god give unbelievers a free pass out of hellfire and eternally renewed skins, then?

Interesting to see other faiths play their own equivalent of Bible bingo and quote things from a text written by believers to prove that what they believe in is real.

Oh well, there's not much I can do to make others understand the simple concept of quotations is there?

It is not I, but, God in the Qur'an giving an example of those who disbelieve in Him and His messages, signs and Messengers.

If you don't believe in God then it shouldn't be an issue for you is it?

Whereas, if it is then perhaps you might want to investigate further to understand why.

Either way, you are not being compelled to read or not read.

Everyone is responsible for themselves but, don't make it crook it for others.

Peace.

[quote Negligee]@Memeandmeagain — what an appropriate username, though it suggests far more acute self-knowledge than in any of your witlessly dogmatic quote-posts — does your version of theAbrahamic god give unbelievers a free pass out of hellfire and eternally renewed skins, then?

Interesting to see other faiths play their own equivalent of Bible bingo and quote things from a text written by believers to prove that what they believe in is real.[/quote]
Thank you for your worthwhile contribution to this discussion and your commentary and textual analysis of my username.

Perhaps, I shall create a new topic on it, if it was remotely interesting or beneficial for the readers.

Peace.

Perhaps, I shall create a new topic on it, if it was remotely interesting or beneficial for the readers

@Memeandmeagain

It can't be any less beneficial than what you've posted so far.