The Meaning of Life (without superstition)
By Mitchell Kahle

What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? What is our purpose?

These questions are commonly said to be exclusive to the domain of theologians. They are not questions addressed by science, to be sure, but is religion necessary for meaning?

Some Christians assert that "A life without God is a life without meaning." But the statement is false. As an explicit atheist, one who openly rejects religion and notions of "God," I can tell you about a life full of meaning.

Why am I here? Because my parents mated, my mother conceived, and I was born - kicking and screaming -- on March 30th, 1962.

I am my mother's first-born son. For her, I most certainly have a purpose in life. She brings meaning to my life and so does my father. I give meaning to their lives. My siblings, three older sisters and one younger brother, are each meaningful to me in their own way. Our family fulfills a purpose in sustaining the family lineage and perpetuating the human species.

My relationship with Holly (my partner for more than 14 years) also brings significant meaning to my life. We honor and cherish each other. We support and encourage each other. We are together on this journey of life. Our relationship is built on mutual affection, care, love, trust, and understanding. We love our pet cats and share concern for the humane treatment of all animals.

Beyond my immediate family and friends, I serve my community by engaging in business, commerce, politics, volunteerism, and other social interactions. I serve Nature by acting responsibly to protect the ecology and environment.

My business has a function in the local economy. My leisure activities, hobbies, and creative endeavors have meaning for me and for those with whom I share. As a civil rights activist, my political actions affect the lives of thousands of people.

My family, friends, colleagues, associates, and others make up a relationship network which spreads around the world. You only need to know a handful of people to form a potential unbroken link with every living person on Earth.

Some Christians claim that "Jesus" is required for "Salvation" and "God" is necessary to discern good from evil. Again, this is a claim without justification or support of evidence.

I strive to maintain high ethical standards, based on a reasonable understanding or experience of the consequences of actions. I do not deliberately cheat, steal, endanger, injure, kill, or otherwise deprive others of their life, rights, or property. I believe myself to be an honest and trustworthy citizen who actively contributes to society. All without any religious belief or theology.

My personal code of ethics is embodied in the Silver Rule, which teaches: "Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you." This unassailable ethical standard is attributed to Confucius (who was not a religious cleric, but a civil servant).

Secular ethics and philosophy provide moral guidance and give meaning to life without superstition. Religion is not required for intelligence, knowledge, artistry, creativity, confidence, curiosity, health, happiness, friendship, love, marriage, sex, parenthood, or any other attribute of merit.

I will put my secular code of ethics up against any religious moral code anytime and thus refute the ridiculous claim that "A life without God is a life without meaning." My life and the lives of millions of atheists and secular humanists provide irrefutable proof that "God" is superfluous.

Mitchell Kahle is an atheist and the founder of Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church.