What do different religions say about the purpose of humankind?

fourgrtkidos · 10-09-2007, 11:26 PM

Why are we here? If there is already a thread about this or discussion just direct me there..... but I couldn't find it in a search.
Thanks~ Michelle

Sean H. · 10-10-2007, 12:17 AM

XXIX. The purpose of God in creating man hath been, and will ever be, to enable him to know his Creator and to attain His Presence. To this most excellent aim, this supreme objective, all the heavenly Books and the divinely-revealed and weighty Scriptures unequivocally bear witness. Whoso hath recognized the Day Spring of Divine guidance and entered His holy court hath drawn nigh unto God and attained His Presence, a Presence which is the real Paradise, and of which the loftiest mansions of heaven are but a symbol.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 70)

All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Say: O friends! Drink your fill from this crystal stream that floweth through the heavenly grace of Him Who is the Lord of Names. Let others partake of its waters in My name, that the leaders of men in every land may fully recognize the purpose for which the Eternal Truth hath been revealed, and the reason for which they themselves have been created.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 214)

"What is the purpose of our lives?"
'Abdu'l-Bahá. -- "To acquire virtues."
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 176)

Tao_Equus · 10-10-2007, 12:30 AM

Sean H,

You will find that I and others may take exception to Bahai cut and paste in response to a question on a neutral thread. Dont you have a mind of your own to explain your beliefs with?

Tao

Sean H. · 10-10-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

Sean H,

You will find that I and others may take exception to Bahai cut and paste in response to a question on a neutral thread. Dont you have a mind of your own to explain your beliefs with?

Tao

The question was "what do different religions say about the purpose of life?" Those are some excellent quotes which directly and explicitly explain what that is from the Bahai Faith. I can think of no better answer.

However, perhaps I could have shortened the quotes a bit. If that would have been better, I will gladly do so in the future.

Yes, I do have a mind of my own. And, what I posted is what I believe. And, once again the question was "what do different religions say about the purpose of life?" That's some of what my religion says on that subject. And, I think it's better to quote the source whenever possible.

Tao_Equus · 10-10-2007, 01:10 AM

And that is what Bahai always say when they are in cut and paste frenzy

Regards

Tao

fourgrtkidos · 10-10-2007, 01:42 AM

I don't mind cut and paste..... I guess I could have saved everyone some time if I would have thought to google other religions and just read for myself. But, I thought it would be more fun to be spoon fed.

I should edit the OP to read "and your personal opininon"..... as I am also interested in that.

Thanks,
Michelle

Snoopy · 10-10-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourgrtkidos

Why are we here? If there is already a thread about this or discussion just direct me there..... but I couldn't find it in a search.
Thanks~ Michelle

Oh I see you've already taken my advice and started a thread

Good question.

Now I'll have to think about it.

Snoopy.

Snoopy · 10-10-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourgrtkidos

I don't mind cut and paste..... I guess I could have saved everyone some time if I would have thought to google other religions and just read for myself. But, I thought it would be more fun to be spoon fed.

I should edit the OP to read "and your personal opininon"..... as I am also interested in that.

Thanks,
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

We could all "google" a lot I suppose but where's the fun in that?! Why let facts stand in the way of a good opinion. I may indeed spoon feed you. And just to get up Tao's big flaring equine nostrils I may do some copy and paste (not "cut", surely?).

s.

Snoopy · 10-10-2007, 11:26 AM

Perhaps our “purpose” is to wake up to suffering and to end it. This we must do through the realisation that we are not discrete independent selves free to do whatever we want, but that all things are inter-connected. It is we who are responsible for our actions (and non-actions) and responsibility for humankind cannot be laid at the door of anything else. File this under “Buddhism” Michelle, unless or until someone points out the error of my ways.

s.

wil · 10-10-2007, 04:21 PM

It is interesting...in this question I would think the highest ranking answers would be the cut and pastes directly from the holy scripture of any religion.

Second in value would be some statement from some high muckety muck that other high muckety mucks and the throng hold in high esteem.

Last in value for this post would be what we personally think....that would be in a thread titled, what do you think your purpose is...

I'm looking forward to Bible, Torah, Koran, Vedas, Sutra cut and paste quotes that don't need commentary in this regard...

17th Angel · 10-10-2007, 04:25 PM

I'd say they all have this aura of "you are special" lol.... But, also a message of "not that special, don't get too big for your boots!"

Snoopy · 10-10-2007, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wil

It is interesting...in this question I would think the highest ranking answers would be the cut and pastes directly from the holy scripture of any religion.

I'm looking forward to Bible, Torah, Koran, Vedas, Sutra cut and paste quotes that don't need commentary in this regard...

You just want to get up Tao's nostrils too

...but if you want to be dull...

...

"Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion"

SN 56.11: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

s.

Ciel · 10-10-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy

You just want to get up Tao's nostrils too

s.

Did you know blowing into a horses nostrils is a form of horse greeting......
....... about as close as you can get to " straight from the horses mouth".

- c -

Snoopy · 10-10-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ciel

Did you know blowing into a horses nostrils is a form of horse greeting......
....... about as close as you can get to " straight from the horses mouth".

- c -

Yes, but I don't fancy it myself!

s.

Snoopy · 10-10-2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy

You just want to get up Tao's nostrils too

...but if you want to be dull...

...

"Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion"

SN 56.11: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

s.

...and when you've emancipated yourself, you can then emancipate all others: (probably) the central sutras of the Mahayana (the Diamond, the Heart and the Lotus Sutras) can be found here:

http://www4.bayarea.net/~mtlee/

s.