Is life a 'game'?

[Podshell]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

I think this is still on topic. Do others believe that God completely annihilates a soul from existence? Aka , spiritual death?
That idea is new to me.

I don't see the point in it, like spending forever in hell, what would be the point if the suffering doesn't end or you don't progress after so long , can't be really be forever can it.

[Nikos1982]

Originally Posted by Podshell

I don't see the point in it, like spending forever in hell, what would be the point if the suffering doesn't end or you don't progress after so long , can't be really be forever can it.

Podshell,

There are , even indiscriminate , actions of INTENT.

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

I think this is still on topic. Do others believe that God completely annihilates a soul from existence? Aka , spiritual death?
Ha, and I'm no expert on this!

Hi how are you today ?,

First….if the soul is annihilated it would be soul death not spiritual death. The 3rd chapter of John is all about the Spirit. When Jesus says “you must be born again” He is not speaking of the soul…..the soul already exists…..the OT word for soul is the translation of nephesh….that is the animate part of a being….whatever has blood. To be born again is necessary to be born with the Spirit. If the soul is born again it would imply a new body with blood. If there is a task for the soul it is to seek purification. The soul can be corrupted but the Spirit is incorruptible…..God is Spirit period.

The NT introduces a new concept of soul….deriving soul from the word psuche…this incorporates some of the meaning of the way that allows many to believe in an immortal soul. This is made possible by the act of Christ….John 7:39. But IMO the Spirit comes by grace when we invite grace. Our invitation to grace is demonstrated by repentance and humility……basically it is our attempt to purify the soul. I am ambivalent as to whether the Spirit can coexist with a corrupted soul. I tend to believe it is possible because we have our moments of enlightenment and then slip back into the material world….

In reference to the concluding sentences of my post I am reminded of the subliminal influence that are provided br the repetition of favorite church hymns. One such hymn is “Open mr eyes that I may see”….

Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth thou hast for me
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclamp and set me free

Silently now I wait for thee,
Ready, my God thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me
Spirit Divine !

The additional verses expand the thoughts of the hymnist. But to begin the hymn by referencing sight, hands, truth, key, freedom, the will of God, illumination and Spirit covers a lot of bases in a few short words. It could serve as a template for our spiritual journey…..

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by Honza

Is life a game which is being played by us and God, or is it much more serious than that - i.e. a matter of spiritual life and death?

With earth approaching a climatic catastrophe and nuclear war looming over our heads it strikes me that life is no 'game'. We are here to survive if we can.

According to me yes its game. Game not in the sense of manipulation but in the sense of excitement ,thrill,challenge,sportsmanship , fear etc all that a good sport or adventure can provide . Like any sport it too has many rules (which one may have to know either by self or from others ) , penalty , bonus, points,scores,'snakes','ladder'(in the form of name fame , money , power , position ,relationships ,learning) , team bonding , opponents , spectators etc . It is through this game that we are to find the real purpose of the game.

If someone is going through easy phase in life , it may be easy to view life as game . But even those who are not in the best phase of life , can benefit to view life as game if they learns rules of the game and score/ gain something in life.

When we are in worst phase of life , the only being who is with that phase of life is God - in-dwelling soul . HE has not deserted us and feeling the every moment of our pain with us yet exhorting and inspiring us know the rules of the game and take right steps .

Catastrophe and nuclear war can wipe off complete life from this planet. It will still continue.

[maryglo]

in same way life is a game we all play a role)

[FallingLeaves]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

I think this is still on topic. Do others believe that God completely annihilates a soul from existence? Aka , spiritual death?

i don't personally in any way believe that. What I believe is that a spiritl can choose to annihilate itself, and because of the 'fall' pretty much every spirit would choose that without even knowing what they were doing if left unfettered, but I also believe that god is so very much against it that kicking us out of eden and various other things we decry was done to keep us from making that choice, as best as is possible under the circumstances.

[Rah nam]

A spirit can be dissolved in any of the central suns, yet this is extremely rare.
Whether this has anything to do with a so-called God, is a matter of belief.
And yes, life is like theatre, a game, perhaps. This has very little to do with how difficult it seems.
We can not die. Even so I said it is very rare. A spirit would have to be hopelessly lost and unresponsive for aeons.

[Bluto]

I'm of the opinion that if you want life to be a game, you can make it a game. If you want it to be more serious, it'll be more serious. I'm also of the opinion we reincarnate, and will experience life as both a game and as something serious, and that the bigger picture, the objective truth about everything is something beyond human comprehension.

To illustrate my point, I recall something an old friend used to say to me: "Life is too important to be taken seriously"

[Honza]

Originally Posted by Bluto

To illustrate my point, I recall something an old friend used to say to me: "Life is too important to be taken seriously"

too true....