Hi Nem,
You wrote:
"if we are not eternal conscious beings who have always existed, then
we ARE creations of some other intelligent source",
Well, this is how I see it: We are creations, as much as our parents created us.
And our bodys, coming from this Earth, just as any other life-form, are returning
to Earth. As for the Rest of us, (obviously I am not just flesh and bones,or just being alive),
I think we are eternal conscious beings who have always existed, And we are
part of the Creator, as our body is part of our Parents. By the way, about 2000
years ago, Someone taught us a prayer, which starts: "Our Father Who art in Heaven ...."

And this Part of us is also returning to where it came from, sooner or later.
So, as much as we are children of the Creator we are Co-Creators in this Universe.
Also He told us that our father loves us, and we should to love others as we love
ourselves. Well, if so called Christians, would have followed this advise, there could
not have been so many wars, with all the death and destruction and suffering.
And there would be no Hunger in this world.
Talking about Love, I told you recently, that I progressed a bit beyond logic, and that is
the realization, that What really matters, for us in this world is Love. The way I see it,
Love is what gravity is in the physical Universe, and without IT Everything would fly apart.
So, as far as the question is concerned, What is our purpose here ? I say: We are here
to change the Universe. We all will change the world, just by being here, but How and
How-Much is up to us individually. That why I would say, be creative, leave this planet
a bit better than, before you. Do not be not a destroyer, and leave it worse.
Leave a Good Mark when You leave. In my book, the way to do it, is through Love.
Charly