Why don't atheists have a generally lower quality of life, since they don't pray?

Question

You would think since we don't pray and therefore don't get the benefit of answered prayer, you'd be able to tell a difference when comparing the lives of atheists and believers.

On one of my questions today, I asked for examples on when a prayer was answered. I also asked for examples on how you can clearly tell that the prayer was answered. Many of you told of specific things you asked for that you received, so please don't answer this question with "we don't pray for things we want, we pray for God's will" because 80% of you were more than willing to tell me about times when you did pray for something you wanted, and got it.

Thanks!

CL, I am asking this question as a direct result of the answers I received on my last two questions. So if God is not a vending machine, you might want to tell all the people who answered my questions that. In fact, one girl even said she prayed for a bra that fit and got it.

CL, I am not trying to tear down anyone. I have respect for everyone here. I am just trying to understand. But, if it makes it easier for you to think of me as the Big Mean Atheist who is trying to convert people, then go for it. Whatever helps you sleep at night, I guess.

Answer 1

That all depends on what you call "quality of life". Christians of the same denomination (who follow the teaching of Christ and the Apostles) are more likely to stay married and produce well-adjusted children than atheists, people who argue about religion with their spouse, or people who attend church but forget about God once they hit the road thereafter. Christians are more likely to hold public office than atheists in North America and Europe. Christians report being more content with their lives than atheists or agnostics.

On a personal note, I definitely have a higher quality of life now than when I was an atheist. I had more money then, but I was not as happy or content. Most importantly, my wife and my children are happier and tell me how much better I am fulfilling my roles as husband and dad now. My employees like the Christian me a lot better as well. The new life I have in Jesus has not only improved my own quality of life, but the quality of life of those who deal with me on a daily basis.

Answer 2

I can answer that one 4 u, but if u r religous u'll probably need to keep an open mind. I know that most people assume that if u do not believe in religion, u do not believe in a God like entity, I reject the notion of religion, but I am an intensely spiritual person who has a great connection to God. I believe that we r perfect creations and that our flaws and imperfections r the very things that make us human. Our goal on this earth is to uncover and explore the many layers of our personality, spirit and soul. We r suppose to stumble, to fall, to make mistakes, we should dance on the dark and light side of life. We r suppose to hurt, feel pain, have our heart broken and b betrayed, however we r also suppose to feel the greatest of joys, laughed till we cry, b loved, have loved. Life is a process and we are not here to repent or deny ourselves pleasures and ultimate happiness. There is a spiritual law that when we love ourselves and pursue our passions that the universe responds by brightening our possibilities and providing us with more oppurtunities. The athiests u talk of, r probably less likely 2 b guilt ridden and scared of the big wide world. They r most likely enjoying and appreciating life rather than planning their eternal happiness in heaven or scared of tripping up and falling into the depths of hell. They r living in the now and probably are'nt beating themselves up over the many mistakes they have made or the so called sins they commit everyday.When u live life honestly and openly, see everyone as your equal and friend on the same journey we call life, u start to just b happy and enjoy ur time here. I tend to understand athiests way of thinking more than religous people. At least athiests r making independent decisions, not based on what someone else is telling them 2 do.At least they they have freedom of thought, expression and choice. I just don't understand how anyone can follow their religion strictly and feel a real sense of peace, when all they r reminded of is their inadequate and flawed human nature. I have found my spiritual self without the interference of dogma and rules, I am very content with my intimate and private relationship with God/ the universe. I hope I've opened ur mind just a little bit, remember, there is no good, no bad, there just is. If your intention is not to harm anyone else or yourself, then what is stopping u? Peace, love and light......................

Answer 3

Presumably, the idea is that you shouldn't just pray for "stuff." Curiously, though, most Christians seem more than willing to chalk up material success to God. Heck, some of them assume that if you're rich it's because God obviously wants you to be rich. Lame, but hardly the first lame Xian rationalization.

But also, what can you possibly know, you're a vile temptress.

Answer 4

The concept of prayer doesn't make sense even to a Christian, if god already has a plan in place for you then why would he alter it because you said "pretty please"? Yes, atheists prove you don't need to pray to have a good life, and so does everyone else. Christian logic defeats itself.

Answer 5

I laugh hard when so-called-Christians tell lies like "answered prayers". There's just no such thing.

If Christians would stop wasting their time, like spending 20-40 hrs a week in propagation and get a part-/full-time job instead, that 20-40 hrs a week could have made their life a bit better. I mean, you're already willing to work of that much of time, might as well get paid.

I know a few wealthy Christians and they will testify to you that they didn't got their wealth thru prayers, rather by using what God gave them: Life, Strength, and Mind.

Answer 6

Because they are not worried of 'what would jesus do' stuff. They are more free to apply themselves in life without the restrains of dogma. They just have to follow the laws of the land and they can biuld a better life. Also the fact that they arenot placing 10-15% of their income on the donation plate means they have more money to have a good life.

Answer 7

for one.

who says atheist have a lower quality of life then people who pray ? I'm an atheist and my life couldn't be better .

and Satan has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH MY HAPPINESS.

we have Free will and you make choices everyday that have a positive and negative affect.
choose more wisely and you can have a happier life.

Answer 8

The answer is obvious. People that don't spend their lives wasted in prayer, but instead work for what they have and actually try to improve their life have a better chance at succeeding, rather than someone who would "give it over to god" and relegate themselves to a crappy life.

Answer 9

My bible tells me that God causes the rain to fall on both the rightious and the wicked. Therefore it stands to reason belief or not you can have a good quality of life if you so choose. But just as the rain falls on both in this life so will judgement fall on both in the next.

Answer 10

First of all, there comes a time when what we want is God's will. That is why we try to align our will with God's And
how can you judge anyone's quality of life from their outward appearance? Happiness is not what we have, but who we are.