Religion and the mentally unstable

[Ace Otana]

When I was in church there were a fair number of damaged people.
Damaged emotionally and mentally.

The church made them feel welcome, wanted, useful and forgiven.

Does the church attract more than it's fair proportion of unstable people? And if it does, can it be argued that it is doing a useful thing in giving them a sense of purpose. Even if that purpose is false

(This thread prompted by witnessing the implosion of Terry Burton on the Raytractors blog. I presume you've been following it, Adrian)

An interesting view. One of which I have.

I guess religion can be seen as a helping hand (Help you mentally that is).

Is atheism for the happy and open minded? And religion is the place for those who are down and depressed? It's something that might be 75% true and 25% false.

What if the majority of theists looked to religion for hope and a upward look on life. Whilsts the rest, just simply find religion as the one that answers all the questions for which "You want to hear"

I think that the majority go to religion for hope. Whilst the rest seek answers and only answers that "They" want to hear.

I am a very happy and healthy person. I can't say that I would of been a theist if I was the opposite. I've always had a good out look on life and I've been one for accepting my position and situation.

Is religion something for people who can't quiet take on responcibility of their own actions?



Lots of questions and very little answers!