Here’s a famous question: “What is the meaning of life?”

The question captures a basic human yearning for relevance, to know that there is a purpose to our existence.

Some assert that the purpose is what we make it, that we invent it. Others claim that it is the result of searching, something we discover. In the end, the choice between these two views is an individual one.

But another way to look at it is whether purpose and meaning is strictly personal, or whether there is a community aspect to it. Since no one lives completely as an island, it seems that the most complete answer is to be part of a shared purpose, one that allows individual expression but yet is part of something greater.

In fact, studies show that people are generally most fulfilled when they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Although this may be somewhat oversimplified, it shouldn’t be surprising since we are social beings.

This is one of the reasons that religion brings value to human existence. In a sense, it is the ultimate answer to the human need to be part of something bigger. While human institutions can partially fulfill this need with things like corporate involvement or nationalism, there is always a limit to such activities.

This is not a reason to believe in any particular religion; the question of their truth or falsity is completely separate. But this gives one perspective why communities of faith seem to be persistent.