Faith and achievement

[Jesster]

“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” - Romans 8:31

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” - Psalm 55:22  

“fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10  

“The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” – Psalm 118:6

I can think of no secular source of strength, hope, comfort, or encouragement that remotely compares with the verses such as those above.  I know atheists, for various reasons, consider the Bible nonsense. Perhaps, but it has been medically proven that placebos still work even if the people using them know they are placebos. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25617812). So I ask you this. Even if you think the Bible is not true, why not treat such verses as convenient fictions? Why not actually try praying with the preface “I don’t believe God exists…” then follow that up with “…and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Follow the data. Trust the science. Take the placebo.

Setting aside the fact that I don't believe any religious claims, none of those verses are inspirational to me. On top of that, there's too much in the rest of the bible that I find horrific. I don't care where others find their inspiration when it doesn't affect me, but I am fine with my perfectly secular sources. The placebo affect is wonderful, but it has to matter to the individual. It also shouldn't be used as a replacement for something better... but that's another argument for another topic.