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What is the meaning of life? It’s a central question that has been with humanity throughout recorded history. Philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates grappled with it, and in modern times, it has taken on new dimensions, now referred to as the 'meaning crisis' or existential nihilism. The struggle to understand our purpose seems more pronounced now than any time in the past.

Recent data reveals a significant decline in mental health among both adults and youth in the U.S. Nearly 29% of adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, up nearly 10% since 2015, marking an all-time high. A 2023 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 42% of high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless, with 30% reporting poor mental health and 10% having attempted suicide. These figures are unprecedented.

Anxiety is also rising rapidly across all age groups. A Gallup poll in February 2024 showed that only 47% of U.S. adults were 'very satisfied' with their personal lives, down three points from the previous year and close to a record low. Overall satisfaction, which includes those 'very' or 'somewhat' satisfied, dropped to 78%, also nearing a historic low. This dissatisfaction is most pronounced among lower-income, unmarried, and non-religious adults.

At the same time, belief in God has significantly decreased. In 2011, 92% of U.S. adults believed in God, but this number fell to 87% by 2013 and remained stable for a few years. By 2016, the decline resumed, reaching 81% in 2022 and plummeting to 74% in 2023, the lowest on record. This decline in religious belief coincides with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and general unhappiness.

Most experts advocate these downward trends are a result of the advent of social media. Although this could partially explain these trends, all the statistics together suggest a potential link between the loss of faith and the rise in mental health issues. After all, the same Gallup poll that surveyed U.S. adults’ satisfaction with their personal lives showed satisfaction was highest among religious adults, hinting at the positive role faith can play in personal well-being.

In this podcast series, my goal is to delve into these connections. Drawing from biblical passages like 2 Corinthians 4:17 and Colossians 1:26, which explore hidden mysteries and unseen truths, I aim to illuminate deeper insights into our quest for life's meaning and purpose. Moreover, I seek to emphasize that these mysteries, referenced in scripture, are not universally revealed, often misunderstood, and remain unseen in the Bible. Through discussions and interviews, we will uncover these hidden truths and underlying themes, gaining a clearer understanding of biblical teachings.