I'm surprised that atheists register has highly as they do (26% weekly) about pondering such things, considering that the naturalistic/materialistic worldview teaches that there is no meaning to life. It's all an accident . Perhaps these findings with atheists suggests that there exists an inherent sense of purpose in all of us. But sometimes it has to be beat back.
When an atheist thinks that he/she has no meaning or purpose, he/she is thinking about meaning and purpose.
I was surprised the nones weren't higher because I feel like they are the ones who would be ignoring the questions of meaning because they make no decision about them - they don't deny meaning nor accept common answers that give meaning. Interesting...
This is some wonderful data and tracks very closely with some theory I had written about the crisis of meaning.
The way this data lands lines up with my idea that some people have strong internal sense of meaning while others need external meaning. Those who tend towards having stronger internal meaning, implying they have their own innate direction from within themselves, seem to have selected out of religion, generally. Then those who need forms of external meaning have either stayed in religion or returned to it. Again these are generalities, we all get meaning both internally and externally, but some seem to prefer or need one or the other.
It likely tracks so closely with religiosity because religion is kinda the ultimate system for human meaning. Additionally, since we no longer live in the thick societies where religion and culture were inseparable, there is this divergence when the numbers likely would've looked more homogenized in the past. Presented with plurality of meaning systems, some people are able to express their innate meaning and others struggle to find a valid external source.
I think this crisis of meaning has a lot of explanatory value for politics today, beyond even the religious angle. Here are my two big pieces on the subject:
Surprising survey results. I was raised in the Catholic Faith and went to Catholic schools. I was fortunate that in grade school, when we were asked to write an essay on purpose and meaning, I had a pretty good idea that has stood the test of time. I am now in my early 70’s. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV). “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Without a belief in God, I can understand the challenge of identifying purpose and meaning. Maybe a way of getting to the answer is to reflect on what gives joy in life, when you are the happiest?
God is love, and love is an action – to seek the best for another person in thoughts, words, and deeds. Encouragement to a child, a kind word for family or strangers, providing a product or service to a customer that exceeds expectations…
Teenage Ryan responded like the prophets of old: self-doubt and dread. Your "breakdown" reflected a wisdom beyond your years. I can see why church members saw such promise in you. As for this Ryan--I let the accolades and forecasts of greatness go to my head. I had to get knocked down a few pegs to reach the humility you already exhibited at a young age.
I'm surprised that atheists register has highly as they do (26% weekly) about pondering such things, considering that the naturalistic/materialistic worldview teaches that there is no meaning to life. It's all an accident . Perhaps these findings with atheists suggests that there exists an inherent sense of purpose in all of us. But sometimes it has to be beat back.
When an atheist thinks that he/she has no meaning or purpose, he/she is thinking about meaning and purpose.
I was surprised the nones weren't higher because I feel like they are the ones who would be ignoring the questions of meaning because they make no decision about them - they don't deny meaning nor accept common answers that give meaning. Interesting...
This is some wonderful data and tracks very closely with some theory I had written about the crisis of meaning.
The way this data lands lines up with my idea that some people have strong internal sense of meaning while others need external meaning. Those who tend towards having stronger internal meaning, implying they have their own innate direction from within themselves, seem to have selected out of religion, generally. Then those who need forms of external meaning have either stayed in religion or returned to it. Again these are generalities, we all get meaning both internally and externally, but some seem to prefer or need one or the other.
It likely tracks so closely with religiosity because religion is kinda the ultimate system for human meaning. Additionally, since we no longer live in the thick societies where religion and culture were inseparable, there is this divergence when the numbers likely would've looked more homogenized in the past. Presented with plurality of meaning systems, some people are able to express their innate meaning and others struggle to find a valid external source.
I think this crisis of meaning has a lot of explanatory value for politics today, beyond even the religious angle. Here are my two big pieces on the subject:
Collapse of Meaning under Liberalism:
https://inlandnobody.substack.com/p/the-collapse-of-meaning-under-liberalism?r=cakfx
Existential Liberalism:
https://inlandnobody.substack.com/p/existential-liberalism?r=cakfx
this is so interesting.
also an answer to the question - 'Why go to church?'
Yes, we have a personal relationship with God. But it's when we engage in worship and prayer in community that we are drawn into more spiritual depth.
Surprising survey results. I was raised in the Catholic Faith and went to Catholic schools. I was fortunate that in grade school, when we were asked to write an essay on purpose and meaning, I had a pretty good idea that has stood the test of time. I am now in my early 70’s. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV). “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Without a belief in God, I can understand the challenge of identifying purpose and meaning. Maybe a way of getting to the answer is to reflect on what gives joy in life, when you are the happiest?
God is love, and love is an action – to seek the best for another person in thoughts, words, and deeds. Encouragement to a child, a kind word for family or strangers, providing a product or service to a customer that exceeds expectations…
It would be interesting to separate daily purpose from ultimate meaning.
Daily: What keeps you going, what keeps you plugging away when things get tough?
Ultimate: Why does life exist? Why does everything in a cell or body work together? Why are we conscious?
I'd bet the answers to daily purpose are more universal, less bound to religion.
Teenage Ryan responded like the prophets of old: self-doubt and dread. Your "breakdown" reflected a wisdom beyond your years. I can see why church members saw such promise in you. As for this Ryan--I let the accolades and forecasts of greatness go to my head. I had to get knocked down a few pegs to reach the humility you already exhibited at a young age.