Life is meaningless?

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

So that would imply no belief in a higher power wouldn't it?
What would that mean for religion in general?

For the most part I would say yes. Personally, I am of a Christian background but I don't necessarily believe that there is a little specific plan for every person on this Earth, and that we are guided to some sort of destiny or fulfillment. I see it as we are all here to do our own free will and if that lines up with how God wants us to treat each other great, if it doesn't well I guess we'll see what happens. Nobody honestly knows for certain one way or another and anyone who claims that they do is full of shit IMHO.

[Aliantha]

Originally Posted by Bullitt

For the most part I would say yes. Personally, I am of a Christian background but I don't necessarily believe that there is a little specific plan for every person on this Earth, and that we are guided to some sort of destiny or fulfillment. I see it as we are all here to do our own free will and if that lines up with how God wants us to treat each other great, if it doesn't well I guess we'll see what happens. Nobody honestly knows for certain one way or another and anyone who claims that they do is full of shit IMHO.

Well I agree with that last statement. I suppose that's part of the problem. No one really knows the answer, so some people stop trying to figure it out.

What concerns me is the growing level of 'sadness' - for want of a better word - in youth culture today.

[SteveDallas]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

27% of U.S. male college students believe life is "a meaningless existential hell."

Could this be true?

Sure it could. I'd be interested to pick apart some of the categories. Why college students? Do non-college students give the same answers? Do females? Why or why not?

Originally Posted by Aliantha

What concerns me is the growing level of 'sadness' - for want of a better word - in youth culture today.

In The Optimistic Child, psychologist Martin Seligman argues that the epidemic of childhood depression is a direct result of the self-esteem movement.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by SteveDallas

Sure it could. I'd be interested to pick apart some of the categories. Why college students?

And did they ask during finals week? They're also in college where their belief systems maybe are being challenged for the first time.