For non-believers: Do any of you, regardless of your personal beliefs?...?

Question

...find it wonderful that some find peace in their religion? I'm not referring to those who use religion to justify hateful acts, only those who use it as a source of personal comfort?

I fall into the non-believer catagory. But I'm pleased that my friends who are believers have found something they needed.

Any opinions?

ErHead, you may want to consider lightening up. This is just a little internet conversation between strangers, not my personal judgement day. Relax...and breathe in my lack of judgement;)

Answer 1

I don't have a problem with people being bettered or comforted by religions. The problems coming when "believers" wish to make their morality into civil law, teach their belief as facts, or don't develop their minds due to their religion. These things have a direct impact on my and other's lives.

Answer 2

I am pagan and all I hope is that everyone finds peace of mind, a way to live postively with other people and the planet and experince hope and comfort in times of grief and feel like their life has a purpose.

I am humble and objective enough to know that MY spiritual path will NOT do that for EVERYONE.

Just because Christianity did not work for me, doesn't mean it doesn't work wonders for others. I would not discourage anyone from becoming Christian, not even my own children. In fact we have several bibles in our home.

However some really do feel THEIR holy book, religion or God is the ONLY valid one and therefore the ONLY one that can truly satisfy, give purpose and answer the fundamental questions about life for EVERYONE.

They are sadly mistaken.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say that I find it "wonderful", but I'm perfectly okay with people finding peace in their religion, as long as they're not at the same time warring against others' peace as a result of that religion.

I think that there are a LOT of people who manage that properly. Unfortunately, there are roughly as many who do not.

Answer 4

You're probably going to get mixed reactions on this one. I don't mind it, they don't offend me. I don't think it's right to tell a widow, for example, that there is no god and there is no heaven at her husband's funeral. That's just cruel.

But some people say that it's time, money, etc. spent on delusion, which qualifies as an unhealthy "coping" mechanism.

I just think people should be allowed to do whatever is necessary to deal with grief & life as long as it is not physically damaging themselves or others. I would, if I were grieving or going through some rough times, want people to be respectful of my wishes. And if that means letting me talk to a god, a wall, a plant, my dog, or scream at nothing until I run out of air - hey - that's my business.

Answer 5

Wonderful? I don't know if I'd go that far.

I *recognize* the need people have to console themselves. Life can be difficult. No matter how good it is, it still ends in death. That's a hard pill to swallow, so I *understand* the need some people have to believe in things like an afterlife and a Father-deity that has a plan for them.

But wonderful? No.

Answer 6

I think religion (particularly individual spirituality) is wonderful. If you get some sort of peace in your life from giving money to Benny Hinn, that's great for you. I think it's great when people (my friends or otherwise) find that peace in their lives... It's all happy right up until someone tries to push their beliefs in my face. Then, I go out of my way to destroy whatever spiritual peace they may have found :-)

Answer 7

Definitely.

Let those who need to beleive as they will. I'm not technically a non-beleiver, since I have my own odd-ball theology, but I've always felt that people should think whatever makes them happy.

Until we get some hard evidence either way. Once we have proof on the matter, then the disproven religions become willfull ignorance, which I refuse to tolerate.

Answer 8

I say that if religion is what makes you happy and brings you eternal peace, good on ya! As long as you're not hurting anyone, or in this case, attacking other people's beliefs, then yes, I'm absolutely for people who find true happiness in just about anything.

Answer 9

My personal rule on religion is believe what you want to believe as long as:

1. You do not bring harm thru your belieft.
2. You do not impose your belief on others.

If a person follows that then I have no problem with them being religious.

I was thinking about it. I am going to add a #3 to that list.

3. Do not blindly follow your religion. Be sure to keep thinking and not lose your identity.

Answer 10

I have found that peace is the most dangerous thing you can find in religion. When you stop thinking critically about each moment you become a victim nearly immediately.