Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group My letter to the Dalai Lama

is it possible that there is no reason, no purpose for pain and suffering, and it just is?

or that God has his reasons and we are not meant to understand them?

is it possible that it is neither a blessing or a curse?

and why do we have to make meaning of it anyway?

Does rationalism still count as an "ism"?

A good friend of mine used to try to convince me of his atheist viewpoint and although I could rarely refute the rationalist arguments, I simply could not accept that we are nothing more than $1.37 worth of chemicals (I suppose this price must have gone up considerably since I last heard it quoted).

I've never been a particularly religious person and yet I've always felt that there is so much that is beyond our five clumsy senses or the sum total of human knowledge. I don't really believe in knowing anything, really and yet I feel as though I "know" that there is so much more out there.

Geez, I'm starting to sound like Fox Mulder...The Truth is Out There...lol

Chris

Try this

www.symphonyofscience.org. - click in the first YouTube video with carl Sagan. You will like it.

Lucy

Ps it's called "we are all connected"

I used to watch Carl Sagan's Cosmos when I was a kid. It was really my big brother who was into it but I totally got into it as well...I was a strange kid.


(that was weird and totally fascinating - you're right, I did like it. Thanks)

Hi Chris,

Long time no hear. Have you been saving this one up for a rainy day???

Talk about throwing the cat among the pigeons.

Reading between the lines, it would appear that your pain is not getting any better (probably a gross understatement).

My understanding and summarised version of what you wrote, is basically "what is the meaning of life?"

For my two cents worth, I worked it out a while back, way before dx'd with AS.

The answer is that "Life Sucks!" It is up to us to survive it. I'm not being negative, just honest.

We are just small components that make up a large human virus destroying the earth.

As an individual, I only have one life, and the aim is to do the best I can with that life, before it ends. My cells/dna will live on with my child, but that's about all there is to the after life (IMHO).

Unfortunately as humans, we are cognitive beings and understand that we are going to die. Because we are also intelligent and imaginative, we have also worked out myths to make this concept more palatable.

Sorry I can't provide more comforting comments that might help cheer you up, but I would be being dishonest if I did.

I really hope that your doctors can somehow work out how to reduce your pain soon!

James

wow, going from "why do even good people have pain and suffering" to "what is the meaning of life". not sure i have found my answer to either or even if there is an answer to either, but i'd like to think that the answer to the second question is more along the lines of "to spread love and kindness to others, to make a difference in other people's lives, to do good in the world"......that is my working answer for now.

chris,

deep down inside, i think you are right. i don't think its all meaningless random happenstance either.

Thanks Jimmy,

A little reality check is always appreciated in any sort of discussion like this and I appreciate your contribution.

I'm not about to give all of my money to a guy with diamonds in the soles of his shoes or anything, don't worry. It's just that I have neglected an aspect of myself for a long time and pondering these sorts of questions is something I believe is vital to my nature.

I also don't believe that there are any answers to be given but in each person's comments are to be found tidbits of wisdom and knowledge that might help some people find their own answers to some of their own questions. I hope that makes sense?

Keep on KickinAS buddy!

Chris

I like your "meaning of life" ideas Sue. The funny thing is, despite the wars and the human atrocities committed in the name of various religions throughout history...their messages are generally always the same. The devil is in the details, so they say.

I seriously doubt I'll ever find anything that approximates "THE ANSWER" to just about anything really but I feel as though the process of asking questions and learning about what others believe makes me a better person for having taken the journey. I suppose, in my way of thinking, it's not unlike a journey of exploration and discovery of the human spirit. I'm just happy to be out here on the road with the rest of you...I'm not terribly concerned with where the road is going to wind up.

Chris