[r1chard5mith]

> Consider how difficult it is to even define any of these terms in satisfying way. They are all metaphorical, like the higher being.

Are you able to explain what an electron is, or what gravity is or how light propagates without resorting to metaphor and hard-to-define terms?

I used to be a pretty hardcore rational materialist until I accepted that it doesn't fit very well with my own experiences.

> You've invoked consciousness, purpose and meaning as if they were important.

They are and you know it.

[robotresearcher]

I say clearly that they are important to people.

My point is that you don't need to ground your cosmology on them.