First of all, I should disclose that I am an atheist, also that I am not a troll and have the utmost respect for everyone's beliefs here. I was a Christian years ago and came to a point where I could no longer believe. However I still miss the zeal and reassurance that I had at the time. A sort of disagree with Lawrence Kraus and Richard Dawkins in that I do think a finite existence without purpose is fundamentally pointless, yes we can do things in the intervening period and help people but I'm a reluctant nihilst as a result of my current understanding of life and the universe. I can't pretend to believe something I don't and I'm very well educated on the pertinent subjects. My question is, does anyone here have any tips or experiences that are inately human and do not require a hope in the supernatural to be sustained? Is there anything you would say, you have learned from your teachings and in your life that demonstrates meaning outside of ideas about the second coming and mansions in heaven and God's plan? My current modus operandus is to just get on with things despite how ultimately hollow it is - I'm not proselytizing my existential outlook, I just find it hard to see it all as anything more than an irrelevant lark. Like I said, I'm not here to criticise or challenge anyone's faith, I'll happily dicuss anyhing with anyone though and anyone is welcome to challenge or ask me anything. The question may even be alien in the fact that, I suppose I'm asking, have you learnt anything about approaching life that has given you meaning that it would stand on its own if God and fate etc. did not exist?
Actually the opposite. I went through a period of questioning all of my Christian beliefs years ago. Or any spiritual beliefs. I made a purposeful choice to 'wipe the slate clean'. The funny thing was once i decided to do that my default wasn't 'there is no God' or 'nothing spiritual exists'. A little time passed before i realized i, just by nature, never gave the idea a real thought.
But wanting this to be a genuine start i decided i was going all the way to atheist. I spent a few years working my way back to God and the Christian faith. But my 'atheism' couldn't last a day. I had already seen too much to think there's Nothing out there. That didn't mean i started believing in God, only that i was so convinced of spirituality, of some kind, that i couldn't go long not believing in some kind of non-temporal existence.
I love music. Listen to all kinds. One thing i always wonder, when looking at secular bands is 'how can they find anything to write about?'. I mean, like you, their lives revolve around nothing. Some sing for causes, politics, etc... but the bulk of it is just words for the sake of having words. Just saying things they think will make them popular. And i'm not just talking mainstream music, which i'm not a big fan of. This is true for all levels of music. And even the artists that speak out against others beliefs, that sounds so sad and hollow.
When your life is based on nothing then life becomes all about nothing. You can try to do things to make it seem fulfilling and maybe it does genuinely help for a while. But when you lay you head on the pillow each night, no matter how many people you help, if you believe there's nothing more even that can get empty.
God brings meaning. He brings purpose. That may not always be clear right away as to specifics, but when you know your goal is something deeper than trying to hide from the emptiness, either doing good or bad or just surviving, it shines a light on our need for God.
And as far as morality goes, i was never a hugely wild person. Even before i was saved, while others were at parties getting drunk i was at home watching tv or listening to music. While people were sleeping around i had only been with one person. Even now, if i were to walk away from God, i would probably continue attempting to live to many of the same standards as it fits me.
But who knows for sure. As a teen i had a lot of problems with anger and bitterness. It was my faith that helped me to not only realize it but to Want to take active steps against it. Without my faith i had no reason to care.
So yeah, maybe i could save i've learned some things that i could pull out of my faith, but for the most part if was specifically my faith that has made me desire to change and grow and become a better person. And for reasons other than my own ego. It's actually a good feeling to live for something other than yourself.
And before you assume i'm clueless to suffering, i'm not. The past either years alone, not counting all the other horrible years, have been very trying and difficult and painful, both physically and emotionally. I can't help but wonder where i'd have ended up if something bigger than myself wasn't in the picture. Suicide? Maybe. Dead by other means? Very possible.
While i struggle with all i deal with, i know i don't have to feel empty and hollow, no matter how much i suffer or screw up. I feel sad for you that you have chosen to live your life in the way you have. No a condescending or critical statement. Or even a pity statement. Just an honest, simple expression of how your post made me feel.
.. Answer No.. If God did not exist i would end my own life within 24 hours.