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While Christian education would be an improvement from a totally secular humanist education, I am wary of strictly denominational education. I went to Catholic schools for 12 years and received a stellar academic education. It also limited my knowledge about other religions and my ability to interact with non-Catholic believers, pagans, and atheists. Many SDAs that I currently know who were educated solely in Adventist schools have a similar issue - they are limited in their ability to relate to those outside of Adventism. Another challenge with denominational education is that kids are learning the "theory" of spirituality at school, but there is little or no follow-up at home; and many of the teachers didn't necessarily practice what they preach. My oldest son was molested by a "beloved" SDA teacher - not a priest. I know in my own experience, this was a source of inner conflict for me. This observation is not universal. I know plenty of well-adjusted (mostly former) Catholics and SDA's who went to denominational schools who are socially "normal" (whatever "normal" means). Unfortunately, many of them have become non-believers or nominal Christians as well. It just seems to me that spiritual and moral values are best taught at home by parental example rather than at school.

to love

Within a God believing reality, what is the ultimate purpose of human life? Many would answer: To lead others to Jesus. To witness. To evangelize. To evangelize and witness we must live on a fallen Earth - where there are others who do not know God. Created in God's image, before the fall, what was our purpose? Alive after sin in the New Earth, what will be our purpose? Once we know our past and future purpose - that for which we were created - it stands to reason we should live with that as our ultimate purpose now. So, what is the ultimate purpose of human life?

Congrats @Gail that sounds awesome!

I never liked that song and the implication that there would be some sort of pecking order in heaven, with the "superstars" of evangelism having glittering crowns and some of us with one, two or none, having to live eternity in shame for having not done a greater part in the earthly work.

Actually, there is in scripture the thought that jewels will be a part of heaven. Perhaps people can today not deal appropriately with adornment, but in the earth made new it seems people will be of a temperament and character that it will not be "self-serving" or a source of pride to be adorned as such.

Chaim Yankel Epstein opened the Jewish paper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend Shmulik. "Did you see the paper?" asked Chaim Yankel. "They say I died!" "Yes, I saw it!" replied Shmulik. "Where are you calling from?"

PHKRAUSE dgrimm60

Ya, my thought also. I have long wondered ab0ut the authenticity of the song and where that belief came from.....EGW I know, but was it just her personal idea based on the times. It seems to based on the idea of historic 'crowns' with jewels in them.

I guess I have a different take. I see the ultimate purpose to human life as *service* ... to God (in varying capacities, according to one's given abilities), to serve other people in varying capacities, and even to serve and protect animals and nature. And service involves caring and doing the best you are able to do.

I love that the responses are positive and hopeful! How did those desires get inside of people?

I believe that God's purpose for us was, as CoAspen mentioned, was Companionship. Which he did have for a time with Adam & Eve It will be the same as before sin!! Also every Sabbath will be really special to all come together

I think my purpose is to be good; to be happy; to enjoy the world and the people God put here for me; and to be not a stumbling block in the process of others doing the same.

Companionship...sons and daughters of God.