Religion can be good for your mental health

Bags it completely and totally easy to understand anyone not having faith!

Since I finally came out as an atheist I have felt very happy indeed. I have fought with the contradictions of Christianity and a God of Love(?) a large part of my life and now nothing but 'heavenly' peace of mind. Lovely!

I am an atheist but prefer to give my attitude to 'life, the universe and everything' a more accurate name by calling myself a humanist and if you need a definition you will find it on this site:

www.humanism.org.uk/humanism

Er....not sure how we can contribute to any thead without being vocal - surely that is the whole point of a debate?
No, purgatory and limbo have been consigned to.....well, limbo! I expect the bans on abortion, contraception and married priests will follow suit in due course, but unfortunately not before many more lives have been lost.
Once any tenet of the faith reaches the 'tipping point' at which more adherents disapprove than approve, the church will be pragmatic. It will cling on to power (and riches) no matter what it takes.

I am an atheist and a humanist - they do overlap, of couse, but I think you could be an atheist and have no interest in humanism.

jeni if a religion involves a power base (and if one ever did, it was the RCC in earlier centuries) they tend to elaborate the ways in which they build their control.
If anyone less than perfect goes straight to hell it limits control. By having different grades of after life it opens the door to all kinds of nonsense e.g. saying masses for the dead. Now if they are dead and in heaven - then no need for masses is there. If they are eternally damned, same applies. Waste of time and money. But if they might be in purgatory then a whole new income stream is made possible for the business. Pay for masses for the dead on their birthday, the anniversary of their death etc etc.
This still goes on. I'm sure some of you can think of other commercial opportunities that spun off from the notion of purgatory!

Indulgences were a good source of income - do what you like but make a big contribution and everything will be forgiven. A bit like contributions to political parties by criminals like Asil Nadir. No favouritism - all the major parties have had donations from villains.

Anagram

I think denying condoms to African women is an extreme atrocity. It has probably killed more than suicide bombers.

They haven't sold indulgences since the 15th century! Many very bad things have been done in the name of the church(es), ditto political parties, land-grabbing, the search for gold......almost makes you believe in original sin!

No, it doesn't!

Oh, whoops! Meant to send sunshine to Alison!

Of course it's true that many atheists are not humanists - one only has to think of the vicious Stalinist regime. Nothing humanist about that!

Lily I could do with that sun, when I look out my window it seems to be April!

True annobel
They are still holding out their hands for masses for the dead though lilygran. re purgatory etc. You makes up your theology and you opens the coffers.
I agree Greatnan - empire of evil, those old men I'm afraid, still, after all this time. Not to mention pedophile-priest-denying.

I have to admit that debating religious topics with intelligent people of all shades of opinion is very good for my mental health - makes me think and keeps me on my toes.

It was a turn of phrase, Greatnan, but I should have known my post would not go unremarked...

I think I'll quit this thread. I've stated my position; some may not like it but it isn't a criticism of anyone else. Each to his/her own.

Alison

Lilygran I could have done with some of that sunshine earlier. Went out on my bike to get some nice bread for lunch. Halfway there the heavens opened. Nothing gets wetter than a skirt when you are riding a bicycle.The rain collects in your lap. And my blouse went transparent.

Sorry to thread wander.

Mind you, the thread has become far too complicated for me!

Did you want your post to go unremarked, Anagram?

Stalin was sent to a seminary to train to be a priest. I think he probably learned a few things about controlling people there. Just thought I'd chuck that in.

So, back to the OP. I think that no religion can be good for your mental health as well. Better, in my opinion, but probably neither position can actually be proved. In which case, it's fine to just blether about the subject and wander off course, as is our wont on GN.

Cheers, all! (We went to archery club in sunshine and got rained off).

I managed an hour's walk before it started to rain heavily. Still warm, though, and lovely smells through the open windows.

I think a really good book is amazing for your mental health.

Though you do get a bit flummoxed when you come out of it and realise there are still loads of jobs waiting to be done!