The Meaning of Life (part 1 of 3) ...

It all boils down to random-chance or intent.  Do you exist because of some completely random one-in-a-trillion-shot cosmic lottery, or are you unique and does your existence imply intent?   The two prevailing theories regarding existence come down to these basic questions. 

The science of evolution can trace our ancestry back (chiefly through carbon dating, mostly of rocks) for thousands, then millions of years.  There are many scientific theories regarding the origin of life on this planet.  I say 'theories' because it is impossible to scientifically 'prove' any of them, despite attributing them to 'science'.  Evolution, in the sense of evolving over time to meet changing demands of our environment, CAN be proven (i.e. Darwin's original theories), but this does not grant carte-blanche to the origin of any biological species that first appeared on our planet.

But to focus on our world in the context of evolution seems a bit arrogant, when talking about the meaning of existence.  Take the theories back further, all the way to the big bang; in fact, how about going back even further - prior to the big bang.  Best guess (note we have given up the idea of even theories here, we're down to guesses), the Hydrogen atom must have ALWAYS existed.  It's mass attracted other atoms through gravity, attracting still more atoms, that begin to morph over time into other elements, until we get up to the big bang.  But at its source SOMETHING must have always existed, past our understanding of space, time, and the laws that we understand about matter itself.

 

So in the world of science, the Hydrogen atom is god.  And the 'religion' of science requires 'faith' to cover the questions it cannot answer; such as how do in-animate atoms come together and spontaneously morph into 'living' ameba.  How do interdependent complex organisms form at precisely the same time through a process of evolving when neither could exist without the other?  Being a member of this church, leaves one with more troubling evolved questions such as; when did morality enter the conscience of man's existence, and why does it not seem to exist in other highly evolved species?  And of course, what is the meaning of life?  Why am I here?  What does it matter?

I respect the 'purest' thinking of scientific minds that completely reject the concept of a God.  But I point out, that to maintain the purity of scientific thinking requires 'faith' to cover the unanswered questions.  And at its core, this belief system tends to leave the individual void of any true meaning.  The natural conclusion to the randomness of your particular life leaves you empty inside.  Think of it.  Your life, within this thinking, is devoid of meaning.  You could die this second and mean nothing.  You could cure cancer, and be remembered for it, but once your particular existence has ceased, to you it means nothing.  And let's face it, we have FACTUAL evidence about what happens to us when we die.  We disintegrate.  We become dust, bones, nails, and maybe hair, but nothing more after death.  Within the scientific community there is NO afterlife, because the concept of a soul, implies more than science can explain.  As I said at the outset, it all comes down to random-chance, or existence that is unique and implies intent …