Biblical Answer

The Absurdity of Life without God

In the biblical book of Ecclesiastes, the author describes life as "meaningless" and "utterly meaningless" (Eccles. 1:2). This sense of absurdity is echoed by philosophers who argue that without a transcendent purpose or meaning, life is devoid of significance. Camus, in his essay "The Myth of Sisyphus," suggests that human existence is absurd because we seek meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. He writes, "The absurd is born out of this confrontation between the human need for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe" (Camus, 1942). This absurdity is precisely what the Bible addresses when it says, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1). Without a relationship with God, life becomes a futile endeavor.

The Futility of Human Efforts

The absurdity of life without God is compounded by the futility of human efforts to find meaning. The writer of Ecclesiastes notes that all human labor is ultimately futile, as it does not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment (Eccles. 1:3). Similarly, Camus observes that our attempts to impose meaning on life through our actions and achievements are ultimately futile, as they are subject to the whims of chance and circumstance. The Bible, however, offers a different perspective. It teaches that our lives have meaning and purpose because we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Our relationship with God gives us a sense of direction, purpose, and significance, which is otherwise lacking in life.

The Hope of Faith

In contrast to the absurdity and futility of life without God, the Bible offers a message of hope and meaning. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can find true purpose and significance in life. As the apostle Paul writes, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" (Romans 1:17). This faith is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a response to the revelation of God's character and purposes in the Bible. Through faith, we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity. In this way, we can find meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of absurdity and futility.