Religion can be good for your mental health

Rather that than have my choice of words mocked. I made an observation, that's all. I'll leave you to it.

Not me, jingle, I have no jobs waiting to be done - well, except all the books that are waiting to be read!

The jobs are of my own making. For example, I have to make a madeira cake as I want to eat madeira cake!

That doesn't count as a job - just foreplay.

I would get DD to make it for me but she is at the moment travelling on a train from Paris to Milan via Switzerland. (slightly worried although she is a very grown up DD now!)

I've met more than a few people over the years that felt their early experiences with the likes of the Christian Brothers had a detrimental effect on their mental health...

It seems a lot of people who went to RC schools rebelled against their religion. Perhaps the way they were treated when young has put them off for life.

It wasn't the cruelty, snobbery and hypocrisy that I witnessed that made me an atheist - it was thinking, reading and studying and coming to the conclusion that there was absolutely no proof of the existence of any supernatural being.

No, of course there isn't any proof! That's why it's called faith!

Er....yes, I did realise that, Lily! And I have none. However, I was reading The Catholic Herald this morning and one catholic was insisting that atheists were stupid because there is so much evidence for the existence of his particular god, so not everybody realises it.

I was going to say the same thing lilygran, but I aint sticking my neck out anymore!

(Sorry God)

Jingle, what on earth do you mean? I am only stating my beliefs and you are quite free to state yours. You are usually more than capable of doing just that.

Only joking Greatnan

love you x

That's OK then - I wouldn't like to upset you.

You haven't.

I am entirely at peace with the "not knowing" and with my absence of faith in the supernatural. I am free to concentrate on trying to lead as honest and helpful life as I am able without having to listen to the dictates of hierarchical archaic pronouncements.

I am entirely happy with the fact that many of my friends have a religious faith - no problem there - we get on fine and respect each others' views.

Religions deal in fundamentals and have a natural tendency towards fundamentalism and control - no religion is exempt from this, either now or historically. Better in my view to concentrate on trying to lead a good life.

And after life? - I guess our atoms just return to the cosmic soup whence they came. Who knows?

Religion is a comfort to a lot of people but really I wonder how can it be a comfort to know your soul whatever or wherever that is, will go on for ever. It fills me with unease.
Athiest or humanist? Most of them contribute a lot to society.

I once helped at a second hand cum jumble sale and the vicar first thanked God that no one had fallen off a ladder. I wondered that in this time of world crisis, starvation, wars and persicutions, how God had time to watch that Joe Bloggs didn't fall off a ladder. I was the only one of course that thought his prayers were over simple but then that is what these religious people want.
If it makes then happy......

The comfort of a hug given to a person who is unwell or upset is well recognised. We all need to know that we are "loved", whether by a Group or ln a one to one situation.

Pain is something which needs plenty of loving support, plus physical contact, such as hand holding, or a gentle hug! Just by being close is often enough. Knowing that somebody cares!

If somebody has a positive attitude this will reinforce the healing process, whether given by medical or any other form of treatment.

Everybody comes to the end of their journey of life. Positivity will not cure, but does help the process of "passing" from this existence!

I have not mentioned Religion, as we all have our own ideas on that, and we all have freewill on that subject!

gramps

Thank you , Gramps, what a nice, sensible, post. It seems we are all in agreement that being part of any supportive network is beneficial for our physical as well as our emotional wellbeing.

Lovely post Gramps. In other words 'love is all you need'! You could apply for a research grant to expand and prove this!

gramps that is a really special post xxxxxlove nellie

gramps lovely post especially as there was only one 'I' in there. You are thinking of us all and not yourself.

Gramps