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Atheism/what is our purpose here?

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Expert: - 3/2/2008


Question
If there is no God, no Heaven, no Hell, no eternity, then why do we exist? Why is
there life? Why do we seek happiness, pleasure, and joy? Why do we feel
emotions? Where does love come from? What is our purpose if there is nothing
more than what we see? Is this it...we are born, we live, we die?  

Answer
We exist because we are born. We have no more external "reason" for existing than anything else in the universe. If you want more than that, it's up to you to create a reason. Even if a god exist, it cannot impose any purpose or meaning on your life. That's up to you.

Emotions are biochemical reactions in the brain, no different from any other biochemical reaction in your body. What you do with those emotions is up to you.

Atheism

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Austin Cline

Expertise

I can address questions regarding atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, humanism, religious philosophy & history, and arguments both for and against theism. I am also familiar with many of the skeptical and atheist resources in print and on the internet.

Experience

I have been an atheist and a secular humanist for many years. I actively run a site about agnosticism & atheism and attempt to help people understand more about these topics. I have made extensive study of both philosophy and of a wide vareity of religions.

Organizations
I belong to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Council for Secular Humanism.

Publications
My writings appear every week on the Agnosticism/Atheism site

Education/Credentials
I have a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA from Princeton University. I have also studied in Germany and Switzerland.

Awards and Honors
Phi Beta Kappa and a Fulbright Scholar.

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