Atheism and the meaning of life - what drives you?

[Spongebob]

That's the same reasoning drug addicts use too, I imagine.  

in reality, there are many reasons why a life with religious beliefs may be better for some individuals. If you are part of a community of likeminded people who all share the same belief, that can make you stronger, give you a sense of belonging and guidance. If you really believe that there is an omnipotent being looking our for you at every moment of your life, it does give you measurable emotional support. And if you really believe that you go to a better place when you die, then this absolutely helps you deal emotionally with death, both yours and family members'. I could go on...

The problem with the "life is better with religion" justification is that whilst the benefits of belief for some individuals may be real, it does NOTHING to substantiate any claims as to the validity of the claim. In reality, God either exists or not. And if God does not exist (and there is currently NO evidence) then irrespective of the perceived benefits, it is all a fallacy, Also, whilst some individuals get these benefits, many, many people are significantly worse off due to religion.

Any benefits conveyed by religion are either the same sort of benefits one gets from placebo (meaning if you believe you are being helped, then you may experience some improvement for some problems) or from the community support a religious community provides.