Why are WE here?

[PJM]

Does humaity have a precise reason for existence?

 

[NonServiam]

Does humaity have a precise reason for existence?

The human race – like all species on the planet – is the result of a very long series of a small changes that have taken place in living things since the dawn of life.

Seen from this perspective, our “purpose” is to ensure that human genes get carried on (which is a task that includes reproduction, but not exclusively: one’s natural instinct to defend and protect others – especially close kin – helps to preserve the gene-carrying bodies that have a potential to pass on those genes).

From an individual’s perspective, your life has whatever meaning you’d like to give it. “Meaning” isn’t something objective – it’s a quality that our judgments give to things, so your life is as meaningful as you’d like to consider it.

 

[buffalo]

Q. For what end did God create man?
A. To know, love, and serve him during the short course of his pilgrimage in this world, and then to be taken up to heaven, and be happy in the possession and enjoyment of God himself for all eternity.

 

[tonyrey]

Does humanity have a precise reason for existence?

We exist so that we can choose what to believe and how to live! In other words we shape our own destiny by the extent to which we love others…

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Does humaity have a precise reason for existence?

Since you describe yourself as a Catholic, I’m assuming you want a Catholic answer.

As far as I’m aware, the Church holds no “official” position on this question, but the standard response you’ll see from many theologians is that Humanity was created out of God’s surplus love. In the Book of Genesis, Man was described as being made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). In other words, Man’s existence alluded to God and was different from the rest of the Animal Kingdom in that he was rational and had a soul. But Genesis 1:27 actually goes deeper than the way it is commonly interpreted. Man’s very existence is said to reflect God. Case in point - the family unit. In the Book of Genesis, God commands Man to “multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:7). In any family unit, there is a husband (Man), a wife (Woman) and child(ren). This is indicative of the existence of the Trinity, for one saint remarked along the lines that in any relationship “there is a lover, a loved person, and a fountain of love”. In short, “perfect communion”, as is found between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is why the family unit is sometimes referred to as the “Church in miniature”, and can be said to prefigure the Church’s emergence later in Scripture.

Of course, Man later fell into sin by disobeying a single commandment. But even then, the purpose of Man’s existence still remained the same - to imitate God. Jesus instructed his followers to take up their crosses and follow him (cf. Matthew 16:24). In fact, one saint (I think it was St. John Chrysostom) argued that Man actually gained from eating the apple in the Garden of Eden. For, Man lost the Garden of Eden but ultimately gained the ability to enter into Heaven. So we find that the imitation aspect of the purpose of being on Earth actually becomes all the more clear - Man has the ability to witness the Beatific Vision, which is a lot better than what the Garden of Eve ever was.

So the short answer would be that Man’s purpose is to align his existence such that it converges with God’s existence.

 

[JamestheOlder]

I like the short and simple (and so expressive) responses from the old Baltimore Catechism:

sacred-texts.com/chr/balt/balt1.htm

 

[PJM]

=Bohm Bawerk;8430949]Since you describe yourself as a Catholic, I’m assuming you want a Catholic answer.

As far as I’m aware, the Church holds no “official” position on this question, but the standard response you’ll see from many theologians is that Humanity was created out of God’s surplus love. In the Book of Genesis, Man was described as being made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). In other words, Man’s existence alluded to God and was different from the rest of the Animal Kingdom in that he was rational and had a soul. But Genesis 1:27 actually goes deeper than the way it is commonly interpreted. Man’s very existence is said to reflect God. Case in point - the family unit. In the Book of Genesis, God commands Man to “multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:7). In any family unit, there is a husband (Man), a wife (Woman) and child(ren). This is indicative of the existence of the Trinity, for one saint remarked along the lines that in any relationship “there is a lover, a loved person, and a fountain of love”. In short, “perfect communion”, as is found between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is why the family unit is sometimes referred to as the “Church in miniature”, and can be said to prefigure the Church’s emergence later in Scripture.

Of course, Man later fell into sin by disobeying a single commandment. But even then, the purpose of Man’s existence still remained the same - to imitate God. Jesus instructed his followers to take up their crosses and follow him (cf. Matthew 16:24). In fact, one saint (I think it was St. John Chrysostom) argued that Man actually gained from eating the apple in the Garden of Eden. For, Man lost the Garden of Eden but ultimately gained the ability to enter into Heaven. So we find that the imitation aspect of the purpose of being on Earth actually becomes all the more clear - Man has the ability to witness the Beatific Vision, which is a lot better than what the Garden of Eve ever was.

So the short answer would be that Man’s purpose is to align his existence such that it converges with God’s existence.

THANKS,

the final two statements are very revealing,

God Bless,
Pat

 

[tonyrey]

Since you describe yourself as a Catholic, I’m assuming you want a Catholic answer.

As far as I’m aware, the Church holds no “official” position on this question, but the standard response you’ll see from many theologians is that Humanity was created out of God’s surplus love. In the Book of Genesis, Man was described as being made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). In other words, Man’s existence alluded to God and was different from the rest of the Animal Kingdom in that he was rational and had a soul. But Genesis 1:27 actually goes deeper than the way it is commonly interpreted. Man’s very existence is said to reflect God. Case in point - the family unit. In the Book of Genesis, God commands Man to “multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:7). In any family unit, there is a husband (Man), a wife (Woman) and child(ren). This is indicative of the existence of the Trinity, for one saint remarked along the lines that in any relationship “there is a lover, a loved person, and a fountain of love”. In short, “perfect communion”, as is found between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is why the family unit is sometimes referred to as the “Church in miniature”, and can be said to prefigure the Church’s emergence later in Scripture.

Of course, Man later fell into sin by disobeying a single commandment. But even then, the purpose of Man’s existence still remained the same - to imitate God. Jesus instructed his followers to take up their crosses and follow him (cf. Matthew 16:24). In fact, one saint (I think it was St. John Chrysostom) argued that Man actually gained from eating the apple in the Garden of Eden. For, Man lost the Garden of Eden but ultimately gained the ability to enter into Heaven. So we find that the imitation aspect of the purpose of being on Earth actually becomes all the more clear - Man has the ability to witness the Beatific Vision, which is a lot better than what the Garden of Eve ever was.

So the short answer would be that Man’s purpose is to align his existence such that it converges with God’s existence.

And what is your answer?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Many years ago, Cardinal Cushing in Boston visited an institution for mentally disadvantaged children. He ran thorough a bit of the Catechism with them and asked, your question -Why are we all here? One of the children replied, “Please sir, we are all here because we are not all there.”

 

[Pilgrim1701]

So the short answer would be that Man’s purpose is to align his existence such that it converges with God’s existence.

Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God’s saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.

 

[4Horsemen]

We are here to fulfill our purpose on earth and finally enjoy the beauty and beatitude of heaven which is nothing less than God Himself. Our purpose in these times is to evangelize and save sinners and bring all creation under God’s throne by enacting His commands and going out to serve our brothers and sisters, especially the very least of these. And who might be the least of our brethren but the helpless unborn and the little ones? Remember how Jesus took a child on His knee and told His apotles that to be like a little child is a share in the Kingdom of Heaven, and woe to those who would hurt such an innocent one, that it would be better had a millstone be put around his neck and he’d be thrown into the sea. (One of Jesus’ harsher sayings. Remember He didn’t just tiptoe through the tulips. He spoke with authority as many proclaimed).

 

[jochoa]

Does humaity have a precise reason for existence?

God’s Desire is for Man to share in His Blessings (Peace and Happiness and Energy).
To Achieve these Blessings, we must do God’s Will as it is done in Heaven.
God’s Will is Love. God’s Love is Patience and Kindness and Motivation for Each One of Us with all of His Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards Everyone and Himself.

Therefore, Humanity’s precise reason for existence is to Freely choose to Perfectly Love - Always be Patient and Kind and Motivated for God with all our Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards others and the self.

 

[shoe]

I think that one of the reasons that mankind is “here” is that God, Who is both a creative Being and a personal Being by nature, has made all things, including mankind, for His pleasure. As the Bible says, “Thou art worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory, and honour, and power: because thou hast created all things; and for thy will they were, and have been created” (Revelation 4:11). And so I think that mankind’s purpose “here” is to glorify God and to practice responsible stewardship over His creation, as He commissioned mankind to do in Genesis 1:26-28.

 

[PJM]

=jochoa;8433166]God’s Desire is for Man to share in His Blessings (Peace and Happiness and Energy).
To Achieve these Blessings, we must do God’s Will as it is done in Heaven.
God’s Will is Love. God’s Love is Patience and Kindness and Motivation for Each One of Us with all of His Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards Everyone and Himself.

Therefore, Humanity’s precise reason for existence is to Freely choose to Perfectly Love - Always be Patient and Kind and Motivated for God with all our Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards others and the self.

My dear freind in Christ,

without reading between the lines of what you posted; your RIGHT as far as you go. BUT have you gone far enough?

God Bless,
Pat

 

[jochoa]

My dear freind in Christ,

without reading between the lines of what you posted; your RIGHT as far as you go. BUT have you gone far enough?

God Bless,
Pat

Excellent Challenge, and I will always need to go further. I would like to offer these updates

Regarding Man’s Purpose
God’s Desire is for Man to share in His Blessings (Peace and Happiness and Energy and Wisdom).
God’s Will is Love. God’s Love is Patience and Kindness and Motivation for Each One of Us and Knowledge with all of His Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards Everyone and Himself.

Therefore, A Man’s precise reason for existence is to Freely choose to Perfectly Love - Always be Patient and Kind and Motivated for God and Knowledgeable with all our Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards others and the self as to achieve and “spread the means to” Peace, Happiness, Energy, and Wisdom.

Humanity’s precise reason for existence is to achieve Peace, Happiness, Energy, and Wisdom as a Society.

Thank you very much for the thought-provoking challenge! I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

[PJM]

=jochoa;8438798]Excellent Challenge, and I will always need to go further. I would like to offer these updates

Regarding Man’s Purpose
God’s Desire is for Man to share in His Blessings (Peace and Happiness and Energy and Wisdom).
God’s Will is Love. God’s Love is Patience and Kindness and Motivation for Each One of Us and Knowledge with all of His Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards Everyone and Himself.

Therefore, A Man’s precise reason for existence is to Freely choose to Perfectly Love - Always be Patient and Kind and Motivated for God and Knowledgeable with all our Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards others and the self as to achieve and “spread the means to” Peace, Happiness, Energy, and Wisdom.

Humanity’s precise reason for existence is to achieve Peace, Happiness, Energy, and Wisdom as a Society.

Thank you very much for the thought-provoking challenge! I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

So then my friend; does Isaiah 43: verses 7 and 21 alter your responce?

*.

God Bless,
Pat*

 

[davidv]

My dear freind in Christ,

without reading between the lines of what you posted; your RIGHT as far as you go. BUT have you gone far enough?

God Bless,
Pat

To love perfectly requires one to align their will completely with God’s. There is nowhere further to go. Perfection has no superior.

 

[jochoa]

So then my friend; does Isaiah 43: verses 7 and 21 alter your responce?

*.

God Bless,
Pat*
Though I am not currently seeing any need for alteration, I am seeing need for further depths.

God’s Desire is for Man to share in His Blessings (Peace and Happiness and Energy and Wisdom).
God’s Will is Love. God’s Love is Patience and Kindness and Motivation for Each One of Us and Knowledge with all of His Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards Everyone and Himself.

Therefore, A Man’s precise reason for existence is to Freely choose to Perfectly Love - Always be Patient and Kind and Motivated for God and Knowledgeable with all our Body, Mind, Will, and Essence towards others and the self as to achieve and “spread the means to” Peace, Happiness, Energy, and Wisdom.

Humanity’s precise reason for existence is to achieve Peace, Happiness, Energy, and Wisdom as a Society.

In order to gain the understanding of the means to achieve the Purpose, One must learn and master the concepts of the Holy Bible, the Love of Jesus Christ, and the Sacraments of Catholicism.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

[4Horsemen]

The human race – like all species on the planet – is the result of a very long series of a small changes that have taken place in living things since the dawn of life.

Seen from this perspective, our “purpose” is to ensure that human genes get carried on (which is a task that includes reproduction, but not exclusively: one’s natural instinct to defend and protect others – especially close kin – helps to preserve the gene-carrying bodies that have a potential to pass on those genes).

From an individual’s perspective, your life has whatever meaning you’d like to give it. “Meaning” isn’t something objective – it’s a quality that our judgments give to things, so your life is as meaningful as you’d like to consider it.

You’ve expressed the biological reason for our “purpose” as humans, but you’ve left out the spiritual factor, that which fulfills our deepest longings. As part of the animal world, we do have instinctual behaviors that continue the human race and pass on our genes. But there are other motivations that give us a reason to exist. The greatest of these is love.

Our lives have meaning as individuals, rather than collectively, since we are persons with free will and intellect. Therefore, we can choose whatever meaning to live by. “Meaning” is what we discover or learn to make our lives worthwhile, good, true, just and happy. Those are qualities that we seek objectively. They are universals.

 

[NonServiam]

But there are other motivations that give us a reason to exist.

I agree.

The greatest of these is love.

I think that different people would very well have different answer for what the “greatest” reason is for them, but personally, I agree with you on this one as well.

Our lives have meaning as individuals, rather than collectively, since we are persons with free will and intellect. Therefore, we can choose whatever meaning to live by. “Meaning” is what we discover or learn to make our lives worthwhile, good, true, just and happy.

Once again, I agree.

Those are qualities that we seek objectively. They are universals.

I agree that all people seek those things that they personally call “good, true, just, and happy.” The specifics of what fulfills those things varies extremely from one individual to another.