Atheism and Misery

[Mudhammam]

Lately I have been pondering the reality of suffering and sense of utter hopelessness in the world, a condition particularly cruel to self-aware beings and one that is universal across all cultures throughout the world; it has been that way ever since the struggle for life began. When I listen to academics and intellectual atheists muse about the consolation they find lacking in religion but omnipresent around them in their awe and appreciation for life itself, I can't help but wonder if their privilege has granted them a freedom from religion that the suffering faithful will never connect with. It is easy for us to talk about how wonderful the universe is through the lens of science, especially in juxtaposition to God glasses, and no doubt it is, but is that fact going to lessen the misery of illness, poverty, depression, etc. for those who suffer? To them, life isn't beautiful. And a sky daddy seems necessary to them, even if their faith only re-enforces their inner will to meaning they always possessed all along; their faith in something greater, mysterious, perhaps nonsensical, is their catapult through life's difficulties. When atheists suffer--months or years of perpetual hardships, what keeps them going? I'm pretty damn privileged by the way.

[No_God]

I believe recovery from sadness and tragedy really depends on the person and their support system.

[Angrboda]

Pain, discomfort, and anxiety are nature's way of getting you to do something. And positive illusions tend to work regardless of belief. We do what we can, because we must. Instinct and evolved traits keep us going.

[InevitableCheese]

Christopher Hitchens talked about how we live on past death through friends and family. I focus on my legacy. I want to enjoy myself, and make a positive impact on the world and on it's people.

I remember reading a quote that's stuck with me: "There is nothing more, and that's enough for me." You should read Penn Jillette's "There is no God".

[Polaris]

Pain and suffering transcends all faiths and belief patterns (atheists falls under this; it's not a faith, but an acceptance of a particular reality). It's how you cope with the misery that really makes the difference.