This is an interesting discussion. My brutally honest opinion is, if the person's last resort in life is to confide in believing in an invisible man in the sky or whatever, they probably are better off not living. If they have to look forward to an afterlife, because there is absolutely nothing here giving them joy, I feel very sorry for them. Many people have a lot of restrictions in life and still find ways to enjoy it. There are things you can enjoy in life: friends, family, videogames, movies, sitting outside, listening to music, etc. If I was paralyzed in a hospital, from my neck down, I'd beg my family to pull the plug though.
Referring to Dystopia's example of his friend needing spiritual help to get through a tough time, I still don't see why you'd need god in such a desperate time of your life. I'm very glad his friend made it through of course, but my point is, why not just meditate? You can be 'spiritual', without believing in religion/god to get through a tough time. When I really needed to, I used to meditate for 30+ minutes at a time picturing myself sitting on a beach, focusing on the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Would some people be better off believing in god? I'd say no, only if they knew or could be convinced to some real solutions to better their life. Would we be better off without religion? Without a doubt.
Referring to Dystopia's example of his friend needing spiritual help to get through a tough time, I still don't see why you'd need god in such a desperate time of your life. I'm very glad his friend made it through of course, but my point is, why not just meditate? You can be 'spiritual', without believing in religion/god to get through a tough time. When I really needed to, I used to meditate for 30+ minutes at a time picturing myself sitting on a beach, focusing on the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Would some people be better off believing in god? I'd say no, only if they knew or could be convinced to some real solutions to better their life. Would we be better off without religion? Without a doubt.
Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.' -Isaac Asimov-
