If it makes you happy..

[MajGenl.Meade]

Well... yeah, I can. There's no difference between you and me. We're both fallen (and we can't get up). We're born that way - it's who we are. I'm not better than you - and probably not worse either. We didn't choose that. It's genetic or however we like to describe it. I have hope for the future, a hope of which I am certain. What you got? Topsoil? But you can have better...

[Lord Jim]

From the OP:

The study found that people who attend religious services on a weekly basis are nearly twice as likely to describe themselves as “very happy”

This shows up consistently in polling, but it's difficult to isolate as a variable, because people who are regular church goers also tend to rank higher in polling with other factors that track with a higher level self-perception of "happiness"...

Regular church goers are also disproportionately more likely to be in stable family situations, have lower levels of unemployment and lower drug and alcohol abuse rates, lower teen pregnancy and school drop out rates, etc...

That regular church going helps to contribute to those other factors is certainly an arguable point, (It's a point I could certainly make) but it's a tough one to prove conclusively...

And if it is an important contributing factor, another question would be is it the religious belief itself that's responsible, or the values and extended social support system that a church community provides that should get the credit....

[oldr_n_wsr]

Try it, you might like it is the way it was presented to me. Just be open to the possibility that there is a "force" greater than ourselves that will help when things get bad.

They were right. I am at peace and feel great. I don't know what the "force" is (call it God or Higher power if you want) but I have felt it. It has calmed me when I needed calming. It has helped me get through the trials and tribulations of life.
I don't know what happens when we die and I am forever greatful that I failed in my attempt to end it all where I would have found out (or not found out).
I pray every morning and give gratitude every night. I ask for guidance and help with my day. I don't drink and I am a better husband, father, son, uncle, friend thanks to finding my higher power.
Some may call me weak for relying on it, I call it a strength I can call on when needed but only if I am humbe enough to ask. No one can do everything on their own. I used to think being totally self sufficient was the best way to go though life. We all see where that got me.
The love and help from those close to me was not enough for me to overcome my alcoholism. I needed more help than they could give me and when I humbly asked for it, that help came. I ask every day for help to stay sober.
I mock neither believers nor non believers. I know what works for me and what makes me happy and peaceful. If others want to know what I did to get to my state of mind, I will tell them. If they don't ask, I leave them to their own beliefs.
Peace to all

[RayThom]

... I mock neither believers nor non believers. I know what works for me and what makes me happy and peaceful. If others want to know what I did to get to my state of mind, I will tell them. If they don't ask, I leave them to their own beliefs. Peace to all

Thank you.

[wesw]

now ray, can you follow older s example?

[RayThom]

I'm not sure what you mean. I was merely agreeing with o_n_w that this, too, is how I conduct my life. His example is my example. I don't care what people believe, I just don't need them shaking a finger in my face telling me that my own beliefs are wrong or deficient.

The world would be a more peaceful place with fewer "hot button" arguments about religion or politics if only we all practiced tolerance -- a behavior lost on too many who think they always know best.

[wesw]

oh I thought I remember you popping in to denigrate people of faith a few times lately. maybe I am mistaken

[RayThom]

Your are most definitely mistaken. Obviously you gave my words a different meaning than I apparently wrote. When it comes to discourse involving religious ideology it's easy to take offense and quickly become argumentative and confrontational. I had already moved on to other things but I can see you needed the last word. Some people are like that. Don't worry about it. I understand because I am tolerant of others thoughts, opinions, and beliefs.

And may God bless you.

[MajGenl.Meade]

It's a well known fact that naturally happy people are the least religious. They don't have anyone at a pulpit dictating what or how they should feel...when people around me detected I was being unduly happy I was told it was gas and they'd offer me Beano to correct my mismanaged euphoria in order to get me back on track with God. I fart in your general direction!

I thought I remember you popping in to denigrate people of faith a few times lately

wesw

Your are most definitely mistaken. Obviously you gave my words a different meaning than I apparently wrote

Well, obviously!

Yes, I always read your screed, Ray and I take it seriously too. Sometimes I even smile wryly. You've often bitterly alluded to a difficult and painful upbringing in the Roman church and the manner in which that poisoned religion for you... not that I'm saying you didn't get where you are all on your own hook, mind. But it does seem to me that your comments are redolent of anything but happiness. Still, I guess you enjoy life and I'm certainly not going to say that you don't.

[oldr_n_wsr]

You've often bitterly alluded to a difficult and painful upbringing in the Roman church

I like to call myself a "Recovering Catholic".
And I am not ragging on Catholics, only pointing out my experience of 8 years in Catholic Grammar school.