"What is the meaning of life?" by Allison

"What is the meaning of life?" by Allison - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

The most prevalent philosophical question revolves around the meaning of life. However, no person can definitively answer it. The answer to this question lies with those who have a strong faith and believe in a higher purpose. If I were given the opportunity to have dinner with any historical figure, I would chose Jesus. Despite my choice, I am not a terribly religious person. Over the years, I have questioned my faith, yet have always wanted to feel a strong connection to a religion. My struggle with belief stems from my experiences and perceptions surrounding suffering, loss, and tragedy. Most people wonder how a loving God lets such painful situations transpire in the world. Some people rationalize it with their own ideas, but no one can entirely know. Being able to ask questions surrounding this topic, along with many others, would be an incredibly enlightening experience.
One of my first questions would involve the general meaning of life, and purpose of my own life specifically. This knowledge might give me the confidence to live every day knowing I am here for a reason, not just by chance. I would inquire about the allowance of suffering in the world, and ask why evil and pain exist. Did the human race commit some sort of blasphemous act to deserve such punishment? If there is a god, does he have the power to control human behavior? These are highly discussed topics that demand unfaltering answers in order to be put to rest.
The interpretation of religion can also create tension between groups. Being able to find the intended meaning behind religious works, like The Bible, could potentially ease this tension. I want to ask the truth about principles disputed every day between different political and religious groups. The answers to these questions might help people get past their differences, and finally be able to find a common moral ground based on defined standards.
One of my last questions would be about the existence of an afterlife. Not only for my own peace of mind, but also in order to ask about the state of loved ones who have passed away. I think everyone worries about death to an extent, so having the chance to understand death would help me learn to accept it as a part of life.
One of the most influential historical figures in the history of the world is Jesus. If I could have dinner with Him, I would have the chance to ask the questions people have pondered for hundreds of years. I could use the answers to my questions to see the world in a new way, and let people know what I had been taught. Maybe there is a reason for our ignorance of these matters, or maybe one day we will finally know the answers to questions like “What is the meaning of life?”