Topic 10 Meaning of Life Getting in the Way

Question 1

Meaning and purpose of life gets in the way of living it to the full and making it a better place: agree

(Atheists,evangelists, Roman Catholics)

Answer 1

1. Atheists argue monks + nuns make no difference to world via their contemplative life of prayer which they believe impacts the world(purpose to get closer to god)
2. Evangelists: purpose to convert others (aggressive, gets in way of making world more tolerant place, not tolerant of other faiths)
3. Roman Catholics: weekly mass put strain on family life, as purpose is to gain grace through sacraments (not living life to full)

Question 2

Agree

Answer 2

4. Buddhist approach to liberation via 8 fold path gets in way of living life to full (prevents following specific career paths/ enjoying life etc)
5. Hindus who engage in yoga + Bhakti eg Saddhus (gets in way of living life as lifestyle so austere) not helping others just trying to attain own moksha
6. Catholics: limited by Natural Law (no sex before marriage, artificial contraception etc) does not help world as there cause large families in poor countries + causes a cycle of poverty

Question 3

Disagree

Answer 3

1. Seeking purpose in life may lead to helping others + making world better place eg vocationally
2. Monks + nuns contented in contemplative lifestyle + believe that prayers change world
3. God given purpose = to look after world (stewardship)
4. Buddhists + Hindus: karma = positive effect on world cos strive to do good (feel fulfilled with life as treating others well is purpose)
5. Evangelicals: converting others = world better place (becoming Christian gives joy, peace etc) fulfilled as this is what God intended