It doesn't have be a religious view. You may be an atheist who believes 'it just happened'. You may be an agnostic who ascribes the creation of the universe to some unknown higher intelligence or power. You may be a theist who believes a deity or 'god' deliberately created the universe. You may belong to one of the world religions which has very definite views on the beginning of the world. Or you may be someone who either can't make up their mind or who couldn't really care less.

Thousands of books have been written on the subject and hundreds of 'belief systems' exist all wanting to convince us that they are right. But how are we to know what to believe? Who is right? One way to answer that question is to look at the origin and nature of belief systems.

Belief systems are historically based, culturally determined and have a specific 'world-view'. Let me explain. Not matter the belief system,it started at some point in history, within a particular culture which described the nature of the world in the understanding, language and concepts of the era. This is what we called its "context". When a belief system attempts to explain and describe the origins of the universe we call this its "cosmology". Its cosmology is determined by its context. The ancient writers and thinkers had an ancient view of the world. One day our view of the world will seem ancient as well.

The difference for us today because of globalisation, is that our "context" is much more globally cosmopolitan. World views are shared and belief systems coexist. This is what we call "pluralism". We see ourselves as one planet with many cultures, belief systems and world views. This makes the task of what to believe more difficult because we are exposed to more voices and 'faiths', which are all calling us "to believe".

As we become increasingly a global village, our belief systems are being forced to be less parochial and culturally determined and are being asked to be universally relevant and applicable. The global cosmology of the new millennium with its strong scientific views will progressively replace the ancient cultural views of the world. While science is very seriously attempting to give the whole planet a modern view on the origins of the universe, it offers virtually nothing on the meaning of life. We may have gained a better understanding of our universe but its purpose and meaning have been left unanswered.

Some have said that with the "death of God" and the "birth of science" we lost our sense of soul. Do we owe our lives to some cosmic accident? If we do, then there is ultimately no meaning in the universe for anyone. But still, we may want to celebrate ourselves as 'accidents', after all we are here, and that in itself is a "miracle", so let's get on with the party!

But if the universe is not an accident, as many believe, everything changes. The meaning of life and of our lives, takes on new dimensions. This idea is more radical then believing we are just accidents; its implications more profound. If we are not cosmic orphans who are we? Our human journey causes us to face such questions. How are your answers going?