Julian Baggini criticizes the very idea that people live only due to God’s will and considers that it degrades the value of human existence. In his view, the abovementioned notion implies that “our lives would have a purpose for the being that created us but not for a purpose of us.” In other words, this idea suggests that people are used as instruments to fulfill somebody else’s wishes. It also indicates that individuals are incapable of making meaningful choices in their lives per se since everything is already decided for them. Overall, Baggini’s criticism seems to be reasonable and valid, and I agree with the philosopher to a substantial extent.
I find the thought of predetermined fate and purpose of life disturbing because it signifies that one cannot change anything in his life according to his/her desires and all efforts to do so are futile. While for believers, the notion of God’s will can be motivating, it pushes me to undertake a more passive approach to life, on the contrary. At the same time, when I believe that I have the power to direct my life in any course I want and alter it a countless number of times, I become more passionate about living and perceive life as a valuable resource.