Living out God's purpose leaves no room for anything bleak: addiction, anxiety, boredom, depression, frustration... He wants us to be free, joyful, and content.
Interesting juxtaposition of these two books! I would not have got past the first few pages of the first one, although Frankl's book is also very confronting to begin with too!
I have read Man's Search For Meaning, a long time ago, but found he didn't really get the purpose and meaning of life, but realized that we all need to have a meaning in order to achieve real happiness, and to go beyond just surviving. Perhaps his approach is too just another form of hedonism? But one that has more depth and long term enjoyment in it?
When we understand God's purpose for us is to learn to love others, and thus reflect his light and life in us to the world, then this provides a purpose and a meaning to whatever we do, or whatever trials we come through.
Have you read the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom? I think it gives a more Christian perspective to the suffering of the Holocaust.
Thanks for your comment Martin! I would say that's Frankl's approach to the meaning of life is more a form of individualism, as he encourages patients to discover their own subjective meaning. But I do agree that this can easily turn into hedonism, which is why us humans need to be told what the meaning of life is, as opposed to pronouncing it ourselves.
I haven't read Ten Boom but she has been on the list for a while!
Thanks Moodie. Yes I'd recommend anything by Peterson, Lewis, Chesterton, and Dostoevsky. I'm reading 12 Rules at the moment which is brilliant. I highly recommend The Call by Os Guiness.
Thanks Mike
Interesting juxtaposition of these two books! I would not have got past the first few pages of the first one, although Frankl's book is also very confronting to begin with too!
I have read Man's Search For Meaning, a long time ago, but found he didn't really get the purpose and meaning of life, but realized that we all need to have a meaning in order to achieve real happiness, and to go beyond just surviving. Perhaps his approach is too just another form of hedonism? But one that has more depth and long term enjoyment in it?
When we understand God's purpose for us is to learn to love others, and thus reflect his light and life in us to the world, then this provides a purpose and a meaning to whatever we do, or whatever trials we come through.
Have you read the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom? I think it gives a more Christian perspective to the suffering of the Holocaust.
Cheers Martin
Thanks for your comment Martin! I would say that's Frankl's approach to the meaning of life is more a form of individualism, as he encourages patients to discover their own subjective meaning. But I do agree that this can easily turn into hedonism, which is why us humans need to be told what the meaning of life is, as opposed to pronouncing it ourselves.
I haven't read Ten Boom but she has been on the list for a while!
I enjoyed that read Mike. Any good book recommendations for this year ? I’m looking forward to Jordan Petersons new book.
Thanks Moodie. Yes I'd recommend anything by Peterson, Lewis, Chesterton, and Dostoevsky. I'm reading 12 Rules at the moment which is brilliant. I highly recommend The Call by Os Guiness.
Great article Michael.