Friday, December 8, 2023

Absurdism




Absurdism as a philosophy is an extension of, or divergence from, Existentialism, in that it focuses on the pointlessness of mankind, the meaninglessness of life and existence, and on the emotional angst and anxiety, and other psychological phenomena, that results from this realization. It deals with the question "is life worth living?" There are many scenes in movies where this philosophy is expressed. 

For instance, in "John Wick," John the assassin is at the cemetery for the burial of his soul mate who had died of disease, and another assassin, "Marcus," who is a friend of John, has a very short dialogue with him in the rain while Marcus is holding an umbrella. Marcus says - 

"There's no rhyme or reason to this life. It's days like today scattered among the rest."

In another popular movie, “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” Walter Hagen says to fellow golfer "Junuh," -

The meaning of it all is that there is no meaning.” 

In the movie Hagen is pictured as a worldly man who indulges in pleasures of sin, and yet he has a "swami" as his caddie. I am sure that line came from the Swami's teachings. 

This absurdism philosophy is seen in the Book of Ecclesiastes and in its theme which is "all is vanity" or "all is meaningless." 

A bible believer "knows everything" (or "all things" - I John 2: 20) as a result of experiencing the "anointing" ("unction" kjv) that John speaks of. Of course, that does not mean that believers are omniscient as God, but means, I rather think, that believers see the big picture, the reason for all things, the meaning of life and existence.  

Don't give in to the pessimism of others who believe in the meaninglessness of life. Meaning can only be found in the Creator. Is our life without meaning and purpose? I urge you to find meaning and purpose in doing the will of God and getting to know him through Christ Jesus, the Son of God. You will then be able to say with the apostle Paul: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil 1: 21 kjv)

"Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God 
commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." 
(I Peter 4: 19 nkjv)

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