Do non-religious people turn to religion just for comfort?

Question

My sister recently lost a baby she had hoped to adopt, and has talked about going back to church in hopes it will help her heal. Seems to me like a "quick-fix"solution, no different or better than taking some meds. Do you think that a significant percentage of the church-going population goes because they feel empty, needy, or guilty? Isn't that the same as smoking pot to feel happier? Or drinking? And don't tell me that those are self-destructive: church can be every bit as destructive to the self you were before you went there.

Several of you have suggested that I am not supporting my sister in her 'hour of need'. I am more there for her, feeling her pain, and knowing her loss, than you might imagine. Just because I disagree with her belief system doesn't mean I don't support her and love her. She has the right to follow her own spiritual path. I was just wondering what percentage of the church population is there because they don't feel they have other options, or don't know other spiritual paths. My sister is a blessing to me, and I tell her that regularly. I lost a nephew when she lost a son, and I greive as well - deeply.

Answer 1

If I had a dollar for every person I've seen who got more religion when their situation got more desperate... well I would be the only one on earth with dollars.

"Do you think that a significant percentage of the church-going population goes because they feel empty, needy, or guilty?"

Oh man do I have the guilt part. My mother would literally kill herself if I stopped going. I hate church and I'm starting to hate the people in it and yet to keep the bottle of pills out of my mothers mouth I endure.

Answer 2

Ever look into a church congregation. First off, the majority of churches are where in the inner cities and rural areas were poverty is endemic, violence in excess, and education all but vacant. Then you look at your most pious who are people like you sister (no offense), drug addicts who've lost everything, and people getting paid $7 an hour. In short, people whose lives just SUCK!!! So the promise that there is a next life and if you do right it will be extremely better then the one you now have is a powerful idea for the downtrodden.

However they fail to realize that if they are wrong and don't lace up their boots and make a difference down here, then the sucky life they have is the only life they are going to get. My condolences for you sister, but perhaps you should suggest counceling (which might actually be provided in the church) to help her with her grief. If you are of my persuasion (agnostic/atheist) then the best thing you can do fro her is be there for her and show her that it is not God that inspires you but your love of humanity and her that makes you the good person you are.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Yes - I believe people join the church when they are at their worst - in the hope of finding some peace. I would personally prefer to talk to my siblings, parents or relations who I have an emotional bond with to help me through the situation, or perhaps counselling if none of the above applied. I'd prefer this than talking to a priest of sorts about how some imaginary man really does love me.

Answer 5

Church can be a great source of comfort to many. Often, it helps the sufferer learn to cope, which is something that antidepressants cannot achieve.

If one has a rich spiritual life, it can help one grow and heal. Other solutions simply mask the symptoms of hurt.

Answer 6

Maybe that's a good way to get started in a church. But ideally, that wouldn't be the main reason for going to church.

Maybe if a person went to a good church consistently, it would help them mature spiritually to the point that they wanted to worship God our of an impulse of gratitude and love, instead of the consolations God provides.

But I suspect you're right -- that many churches are full of people who are only there for a spiritual, psychological or emotional fix, or else because they're afraid of going to hell if they don't go.

Answer 7

but in the long term she know the church is there when she is weak. always open and with a shoulder to cry on.....by no means dicredit it as a quick fix solution, we are all empty and seek fulfillment some put value on materilistic items, others seek a spiritual filling of their heart. support your sister dont knock her down.

Answer 8

I was raised as a Catholic and even attended twelve years of catholic school. When I first started to give up religion I use to do just that but then I realized that it was nothing more than false reassurance. Since then I do not turn to religion for any kind of comfort.

Answer 9

No, but I am an atheist.
Maybe your sister does believe in God, she just has not been devote. That sounds like most of America actually.
And really, devout people are no different. All of you need that crutch in your life. You just need it more than other people.
And maybe if she had a sister who just loved her and supported her in a time of need rather than judging her lifestyle and how she chooses to grieve she might not need to do things "just for comfort."

Answer 10

In a sense, people do treat religion as a quick fix.

It is far harder to chart your spiritual/enlightment journey and learn to draw from your own faculties and strengths while developing your own relationship (or not) with a Divine Creator and Parent.

Many who cannot do this, just use church or temple or mosque to fill in the holes they are too scared to fill on their own.