I don't where quite to post this question, but what is the purpose of life? Does it have any meaning besides being a sheep on the way to the slaughterhouse?
What is the purpose of life?
Dear In Christ, Iogos,
Please, please talk to a priest. I have been reading your posts full of the spirit of despair for some time now. I have been in the same place before and I recognize the spirit of Nihilism well. It is a spiritual state so ultimatly I don't think disscussing it will get anywhere; you need to seek the Sacraments of the Church and repentence. You must talk to a priest or monk and try to ask God for help. Christ loves you Iogos!! He does not want you to suffer without hope like this. Please don't forget that. You are in my weak and infrequent prayers, for whatever they are worth.
I know a wonderful monastic priest that you can contact for advice and guidance. Please let me know if you want to talk to him. And feel free to contact me privatly if you care to.
In Christ,
Nicholas (Savva)
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OrthodoxyOrDeath
Logos,
I think that the purpose of life is to know God, and to want this more than anything else.
Its a gift of God to see our sins, and how we are separated from our Creator, who is dispassionate, and whose love for us does not depend on our moral state, but is always the same and is not unusual (as love seems to be to humans today) but it is just what God is like and he will always be pouring his Grace out on everyone, looking for any excuse to have mercy on us.
I think if a person really wants to know the meaning of life, there is no way God will deny them there desire. Sometimes, we are not ready for it, or we are to complicated in our selves to accept the simple Truth.
Perhaps, if you are suffering, you may be humbled and aquire a simple faith out of your need for consolation, which God will give to those who seek his mercy through repentance. Or, in suffering, you could become bitter and hardened in your heart, unable to soften and let the gentle Lord in to help you. But if you are sincere, be patient and quiet and pray to Jesus in a simple way, forgive whoever has hurt you, and he will show you the meaning of life, I promise you that this is true.
"Venite ad me, omnes qui laboratis et onerati estis!!!!
Brother Logos, be comforted and hope.
Our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Come to me, all ye who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you."
Right now, you are laboring, and are burdened, and thirst for the joy and peace that can only come from a life lived in union with Christ!
Christ can set you free from your bonds! Christ can cut the ties that hold you in despair, and lead you to the "freedom of the sons of God"!
One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. The joy of one who is filled with Sactifying Grace knows no equal on this earth. In our world, it is easy to despair, precisely because Christ has been cast aside. But for those who walk in the light--what can trouble them? What, indeed can separate us from the love of Christ? Hunger, of nakedness, or the sword? Absit!
I pray that you may come to know Christ's love, Christ's tenderness, Christ's compassion, and Christ's mercy. Then, truly, you will revel in the joy of Him whom you "have seen, have loved, have believed."
Laetamini, omnes recti corde!
LatinTrad
"Come to me, all ye who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you."
OrthodoxyOrDeath wrote:Logos,
How do you think you will be asking that question after you die? What will be important then?
That is the meaning of life, which will pass you by in a blink.
I don't think you truly understand because if you did you would be so flippant. Mylife is hell as it is so what difference does it make in the end if I end up there? What is wrong with have some happiness here on Earth..oh wait I forgot we are suppose to be miserable wretches suffering for our sins.
My soul is lonely dark and afraid.
Logos,
I believe that the meaning of life is already at our feet. Seek the Words of the Christ, "What is the greatest Commandment?" Let me try and explain what I mean by this. The Commandments show us the way of attainment of Salvation. I believe that salvation is the meaning of life. What was the answer to the above question? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." [Mat. 22:36]
This, I believe is also the meaning of life. I know from your last post that this comes as little consolation to you in your struggle. I also know that you are troubled by "yet another voice claiming to be the one to hold the Truth." I can not tell you that this search is easy or that it will come without pain and price. I think that everyone here knows this is true as well. What I can suggest to you is to seek out someone that you trust and ask them the questions that you have. In fact I shall open myself unto your questions. If you feel so inclined, please ask me questions on anything that might be bothering you. If I can not answer your questions then I can assuredly find someone who can. This is how I have come to learn various truths and if it has worked thus far for me then I offer this sollution to you as well.
I hope you will accept my offer and if not, then please seek out someone you trust to answer these questions for you. Do not think that God has abandoned you. For it is written, "Such as I love, I rebuke and chastise. [Apoc 3:19] God is leading you to Truth. This seems evident by the fact that you are here. I hope you understand what I am saying. May God go with you on your journey and may He keep you safe from harm.
- Juvenaly