Does your religious philosophy make you HAPPY?

[UdoKier]

And folks, if you are on Prozac, you CANNOT claim that your religious philosophy makes you happy.

[H2O Man]

1. Alternative spirituality.

Very happy. I often laugh for no good reason.

[gollygee]

I'm happy but I don't know what religion or lack thereof has to do with it

I think my agnostic/athiest leanings have no effect at all. I'm happy though.

[UdoKier]

6. In my case, there is some effect.

Not a lot. But I'm often simply happy to be free of the intellectual bonds of theology.

But most of the time, I don't think about it at all. But that's another thing that makes me happy. Most religious people I know think about their religion EVERY DAY! My wife chants sutras an HOUR every morning and at least 15 minutes at night! I'm so glad I don't have to do that!

[gollygee]

10. LOL that's a good point

my husband and I have frequently commented on a Sunday morning, "Aren't you glad we aren't religious and have this time to do whatever we want." :)

[Ron Green]

2. Everybody ver' happy so far. This ver' good.

[YankeyMCC]

3. There was a thread in R&T

some time back asking atheists to talk about how they came to be atheists and the affect it has had on their lives.

I described there that accepting and opening up about my atheism was perhaps the most positive step I have ever taken for myself and was a great help to me through the recent loss of my Dad.

So I'm very happy and my atheistic view of the universe has without a doubt contributed significantly to that.

[Maat]

4. I'm a Religious Scientist, and I'm very happy.

We are a minority faith, and the teaching is about how to be happy, and enjoy the abundance. I enjoy learning about visualization and meditation (and manifesting what one wants by fully availing oneself of one's higher mental power).

www.rsintl.org

Take care! Enjoy!

[UdoKier]

5. I thought up this poll because of meeting my birth mother.

I was raised in a very happy home without religion, but I was adopted. When I finally met my birth Mom, I was shocked to find that she was an extreme fundie, to the point that she believes Barney and Harry Potter are Satanic. She has had 2 bad marriages, the last one to a thug who looked like Bluto and stole all her money while she was in the hospital. She is on Prozac, and yet she still insists that here religion is the best, and the right one. But I always thought, what the hell good is a religion that does nothing to bring its followers real, profound and prolonged happiness?

[beam me up scottie]

7. Maybe too personal of a question, but

can I ask how well you two get along?
My ex-MIL was a rabid fundie as well-it was like oil and water for us.

[UdoKier]

8. I try to avoid her.

I feel nothing in common with her. I can't believe we are of the same blood really. I feel much closer to my adoptive parents, who raised me from infancy.

It's a shame, but true. She lives in Mississippi or Alabama now (I get them mixed up), because she wanted to live in a more backward place than where she lived before. My wife urged me to find her, but now I really wish I hadn't. I already had a family. She is the one with a void to fill, and unfortunately, I'm unable to fill it for her.


She has made me very grateful for growing up the way I did. I think I would have committed suicide had I grown up in such a household.

[beam me up scottie]

11. A very healthy attitude.

Whenever I see really f*cked up parents, I always mentally thank mine.
I always thought that faith was a good thing if it gave comfort and direction to those that had it. Your birth mother is a good example of how it has the opposite effect on some.

[Maat]

26. I'm happy about your closeness to your family -

the household in which you grew up and which contained the family members that loved you (and continue to love you) dearly.

I adopted my daughter, and we're very much alike.

You just made my heart glad!

[Maat]

28. As an adoptive mom, that makes me feel good.

You see, my child was reborn to me when she was placed in my arms; I will help her research when she is an adult - her background - but she will still be my baby.


I'm glad you 'have a family' - because you recognize who is your REAL family - and that makes my heart glad.


As to your birthmom, just look at her as one of those extended relatives that can be aggravating, and set limits accordingly; that's this retired social worker's advice, anyway. I do with my birthmom (unfortunately, she's the one who raised me - at least in name - I was always with my paternal grandparents, thank Spirit).

I appreciated your sentiments.

[davekriss]

49. All this talk about "adoptive parents"...

...leads me to share my wife's experience. She was adopted twice before the age of 6 months. The second time around, it stuck. She grew up in a very affluent household (if not actually rich), and the adoptive parents are Christian fundamentalists (baptist, I think). The adopting mom had serious emotional problems (improved with age), but the dad was a pillar of strength and perservered through it all (I really admire him). The adopting parents adopted two other children as well.

My wife, Kriss, found her birth mom and first adopting mom, and her birth dad, after turning 18. (There is no one more relentless, more tenacious, than my wife once she's made her mind up to do something -- she becomes the forward rush of a loving tsunami, there's no stopping her!)

While the birth dad declined to have a relationship with her, Kriss was readily "adopted" back into the birth mom's life and family and has a wonderful relationship with all. (In fact the birth mom is visiting now.) It turns out her birth mom was adopted by Christian missionaries in then Rhodesia, so Kriss has been unable to trace roots any further back, but she is still trying.

The missionary family is also terrific: The adopting dad (of Kriss' mother) passed away, but the missionary mom is a wonderful non-denominational Christian, compassionate, generous -- and progressive Left! An uncle is a director with Habitat for Humanity and goes all over the world building homes for the poor and oppressed. Her aunt courageously lives an open alternative life-style in SF. Great people, every one of them!

Kriss considers herself a born-again non-denominational Charismatic Christian. Very serious, very active in her church, but very accepting of the fact that I was not. It took a while, and it took several nearly life-ending crises, but I too surrendered to Jesus Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior (just 7 months ago). I understand that we are all washed clean by the blood of Christ and stand righteous and holy before the Lord, already victorious...and, thus, I'm often at peace, I sit centered and unmovable in my faith, and I wake up delightfully happy just about every day.

Most importantly I recognize these positives as a gift from our Loving God; and I undertand that the same gift is available to everyone if they would open their eyes and reach out to the Lord.

I now attend my wife's church. I found out that they always held the chair next to her open for me and prayed that someday I'd come in and fill it!

The experience has been nothing but positive. After years of living first as a Timothy Leary drop out, then a Buddhist, then in succession an agnostic, a fuzzy spiritualist, an aetheist, it is not until now, not until I accepted Jesus Christ and now see His light and mercy rain down on us everywhere like a continuous, gentle snow, filling even the darkest valleys with His love -- not until now can I say I wake everyday thankful to Him for every breath I take, for every New Day he has made for us. I thus praise the Lord early and often and I pepper my day with prayer all day long -- prayer is a wonderful thing. It works miracles!!

We are saved in every present moment. It's a choice. Right Mindedness leads to Right Choice; Right Choice leads to Right Action. And the way to achieve Right Mindedness is to ground yourself in Scripture. Open your heart and let Him in. The greatness of the reward surpasses all understanding. Get it for yourselves -- avail yourselves to Him!

[Telly Savalas]

14. Barney is Satanic though!

Although I'm curious as to what the fundamentalist rationale is for this claim.


The relationship between one's life philosophy and emotional state is a two way street. One may find peace through one's faith or philosophy, but at the same time that worldview can be a reflection of of how one is feeling. Fundamentalism with all its emphasis on controlling others and fire and brimstone preaching is for many likely an expression and "safe" outlet for their negative emotions and frustrations.

[UdoKier]

20. Apparently Barney teaches "secular humanist" values to the tiny tots.

Although I just don't see it.

And Barney is a saint next to Teletubbies and Boobah.

[davidinalameda]

45. Barney is Satanic though

:shrug:

[varun]

9. Agnostic with Hindu upbringing

and am quite satisfied with myself...

[Ron Green]

12. This poll seems to indicate a majority of happy atheists and agnostics

here at DU. Does this mean religious people are the minority?

[UdoKier]

13. Unfortunately for many Abrahamic religions...

happiness while on earth is NOT a high priority. Could it be that that's why they are avoiding the poll?

[kwassa]

15. Maybe they think this poll is silly

I certainly do.

There really is no point to it. Everyone already knows the predominance of atheists in DU.

And the demographic slice that appears DU reflects exactly what? How does one extrapolate from this to any meaningful conclusion?

Aside from the fact that this in no way consitutes a scientific poll of THIS particular community.

[Maat]

29. Nice to see you, Kwassa.

Come on over and post at Seekers on Unique Paths.

[Ron Green]

17. I think you open up a huge new topic here, too....

experience tells us that constant happiness (in the form of instant gratification) invariably brings unhappiness in this lifetime, so it's true that the idea of "happiness" must be qualified or defined in some way. Most people don't like doing boring and tedious work, but this work often brings a better result (greater "happiness") in the long run.

[Telly Savalas]

18. What's the religious breakdown of frequent DU posters?

I'd surmised that the atheist/agnostic/apathetic crowd outnumbered the religious crowd at DU.

Furthermore, for liberal followers of Abrahamic traditions (i.e. folks who post here) happiness on earth IS a high priority. Do liberal Jews and Christians support universal health care because it is the path to redemption and eternal life, or because it improves the well being of people of this world in this lifetime?

[UdoKier]

19. Fair enough.

But the emphasis does seem to be on the afterlife rather than the here and now for many.

I certainly didn't mean to imply that liberal followers totally write off life on earth to the extent that many of the fundie extremists do...

[Dervill Crow]

16. Pagan and not giddily happy, but more happy than not.

Not to call the platitude writers liars or anything, but I think I would be a lot happier if I had money in the bank and was debt-free. Living from paycheck to paycheck is the only thing that keeps me from being completely ecstatic. My own fault for not being smart.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

21. As an agnostic, I'm indifferent to a universe we can never grasp.

I leave the God and NoGod business to those who think we pipsqueeks can figure it all out.

Face it, we're like goldfish in a bowl. We can look out, just as the goldfish can, but understand? It is to laugh at our preposterous egomania.

[caty]

22. Humanism

I am a humanist. I believe in ethics, compassion, science, and nature. I am very happy.

[beam me up scottie]

23. Welcome to DU Caty.

:hi:

nt

[ElectricIron Sweeney]

24. No such Goat

There is no such thing as a religious philosophy. Religion is given, and philosophy is learned or practiced. If the aim of each is virtue the one tries to achieve it with ethical reasoning, and the other does so with accepted morals. Understanding the word morals was coined to translate ethics into Latin, clearly morals are not ethics, nor are morals particularly Christian. Roman pagans had their morals too.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

25. It has been the source of some of the peak experiences of my life

and has provided perspective and grounding during difficult times.

[Dervill Crow]

27. Alternative spirituality and happy.

I don't think being on Prozac negates my answer, because when I was a Christian I relied heavily on Christ and not pharmaceuticals. The Prozac is definitely more beneficial.

NOTE: This is my experience; other people's results may vary.

[universalcitizen]

30. I and Father are One, and blessed (happy)...

I don't know what pigeon hole that puts me in so I didn't vote.

[WhiteTara]

50. you sound as if you are on drugs right now Citizen

but welcome to DU. You may find some things here that will disturb your bliss however.

[Dogmudgeon]

31. Happiness isn't relevant

In my ever-humble (ha!) opinion:

I don't know of many religions, philosophies, or combinations thereof where happiness is reason for the belief or practice.

In some faiths, this idea is taken to an exreme of self-mortification and/or violence.

I do think that if there is any "worldly" motivation for religious philsophies and practices, it is understanding. Figuring out what's going on. In one respect, it helps people cope with pain, and in another, it offers a way to "expand consciousness".

Considerations of happiness, altruism, power, insanity, etc., are all secondary.

--p!

[universalcitizen]

32. Yes, it is like the debate between faith and works.

The blessings are the effects of the obedience of the heart, and the obedience of the heart is the effect of the the blessings. Wheels within wheels ad infinitum.

The bottom line of religion is how one lives, not what they think they believe. Many will tell you that they believe in peace, while their actions reveal a belief that belies that statement.

Abusive relationships would be an example of your statement, "In some faiths, this idea is taken to an exreme of self-mortification and/or violence" but few in that kind of relationship would consider the effects (abuse) the result of their faith.

"Understanding" is also known as self knowledge.

[nemo137]

33. Because of varying combinations of brain chemistry and life experience

no, I would not say I'm a happy person. Does my religious philosophy bring me peace? Yes. Happiness? No.

[Az]

34. I voted atheist/happy but

Thats not really a fair appraisal. Few people's lives are all happy or all depression. We all enjoy ups and downs. I find that my philosophy does more to contribute to pulling me out of the downs and maintaining the highs.

[Kire]

35. Happiness is equal to Sadness

Wellness is equal to Sickness
Joy is equal to Despair
Pleasure is equal to Pain

They are all equally distant from where I want to be.

[NMMNG]

36. I couldn't vote

I registered after the poll started.

And actually none of the choices fit my specific situation anyway. I'm an atheist studying and dabbling in Buddhism, and I'm happy. B-)

[erichzann]

37. Note how almost no one claims to be "unhappy"

In my experience, I've discovered that comming to accept and admit you're actually not happy is in fact a really daunting task. There seems to be something in the human heart that is inherently defensive about admitting one is not happy or satisfied with one's life or beliefs.

I have come to a place where I am extremely, extremely happy and joyful with my spiritual beliefs. But it was certainly not always so. I was raised differently as a child, and those beliefs forced on me made me very unhappy at the time.

In the end, it was finding my own path, finding my own langage through which to enter the world, and apologizing to NO ONE for how I articulate my living experience on earth that has made me tremendously happy and given me a deep, deep joy of living. :)

[Az]

38. The problem is in the binary nature of the question

People don't tend to cling to a philosophy that makes them unhappy. But at the same time people do not tend to live in a state of bliss. Thus while their lives may be full of ups and downs the majority of people will look to their philosophies to raise themself out of the state of depression. Thus when asked if their philosophy makes them happy or sad they will respond 'happy'.

[erichzann]

39. I don't think I agree with one premise (explanation)

Sadly, I think a great many people cling to philosophies that make them unhappy. In fact I think a great many people tend to do quite a great many things that do not make then happy. The reasons for this are many and manifold. Certainly one for a lot of perpetually unhappy religious folk is guilt. There are many others.

But I understand you point in saying that life is not an either/or of either always being happy or always being unhappy. However, I do believe - don't you - that it is possible to live in such a way that you amplify happiness and diminish unhappiness. I know this is true of my own life at least. On one hand, I certainly experience unhappy moments or seasons. But even in the midst of them, the core foundation of my person hood, who I am, what I believe in, how I've chosen to live - those things create a bedrock foundation of happiness and peace that is with me in some way even when I face the stormy times in life.

That's what I mean when I talk about being generally happy - not just kind of happy, but truly amazed, enthralled and ecstatically in love with life. Yes, hard times come. My uncle just died of cancer, the last two months have been very hard on me personally -- and yet, nothing undercuts this foundation of joy for life that I have. And I have that because of, not in spite of, the union of my intellectual, philosophical and spiritual beliefs.

In short, it may be true that life is full of ups and downs for all, but in my life, happiness is my default position. :)

[imenja]

43. the question is flawed

It suggests an entirely self-absorbed way of looking at one's place in the world, as though one's own pleasure were the meaning of life. Religion teaches something quite different, a sense of communal responsibility if nothing else. I say more on this in my post below.

[Igel]

40. I used to, and still vaguely, practice a non-mainstream

kind of Xianity. I can't vote, it's not an option.

My beliefs/philosophy/values don't make me happy. They sometimes makes me content. More frequently, they make me strive to try to get to a place where I'm more likely to be content, or at least point out a possible path to it.

[ulysses]

41. other.

I'm agnostic. Not-knowing is not a basis for either happiness or unhappiness. :)

[imenja]

42. The point of religion isn't to make one happy

It's not a drug. It's not meant to to give you a way of avoiding the travails that are part of the human experience. It provides a framework for thinking about the world is more than material terms, to reach a higher level of consciousness, rather than simply be mired down in what you can touch or buy. It provides a connection with the historical past, with one's ancestors. It helps one move beyond the individualistic self-absorption of modern-day life to think of one's relationship to a larger community--a purpose beyond self indulgence. It also provides hope and comfort in the face of despair and death. At its best, it teaches social justice and creates an awayness of one's responsibility to others. In short, it guides the faithful through life. It does not numb them to life itself.

Only in America would anyone pose such a question. As though happiness--one's own pleasure--was the purpose of life.

[erichzann]

44. I don't agree in the slightest.

Number one, happiness and "pleasure" are not the same. Pleasure is one manifestation of happiness - usually thought of in superficial terms. But when someone asks if a worldview makes one "happy" they're not asking if it gives one superficial pleasures. They are asking if brings one peace, a sense of wholeness, and a feeling of hope and comfort.

There are few who would argue that a feeling of connection to history, positive relationship to a larger community, purpose beyond indulgence, and hope and comfort would not be appropriately encapsulated by the term "happy." Not happiness in terms of the word "pleasure," but happiness in terms of the word "joy." In fact, I would invite you to look up Paul Tillich's sermon entitled "Joy" and listen to his differentiation between pleasure and joy.

The question "does religion make one happy" is the question, "does religion bring one joy" which is quantitatively different from some kind of superficial hedonism than you seem to so strongly oppose. The purpose of life is in one sense, the pursuit of joy. Not pleasure, but joy. In other words, it is the pursuit of human fullness, of hope, of relational health, of a sense of purpose and place.

Therefore, asking a question about whether or not a worldview makes one "happy" is a more than fair question.

[imenja]

46. then why the reference to Prozac?

I see your point, that true happiness is not the same as self-indulgent pleasure. Yet I nonetheless find the question an odd one on many levels. One, the reference to Prozac, as though depression, a function of one's brain chemistry, had anything to do with religion. Does it also follow that if one has cancer, their religion isn't "working"? Two, that one's happiness is related exclusively to spiritual belief, that religion somehow acts like a drug. I see nothing insightful or probative in the question.

The problem with these continual threads trying to show others the futility of religion is that most of the posters operate from remedial and stereotypical notions of spirituality. They seek to dissuade others from something they know little about.

[erichzann]

47. Don't tilt windmills :)

Stereotypes about religion are probably never going to change. In my opinion as a long term lurker, there are a handful of really great voices here coming from the perspective of non-belief. They make putting up with the other stuff worthwhile.

And I think that the non-religious folk would say something similar about the religious folk.

I think we also should be honest, and concede that for some people religious belief is very much like a drug. That's because human beings can and do use many different things in unhealthy ways as a kind of escapism. That is what makes discussion between religious and non-religious people so difficult. Because it is not true that religion is a drug, but it is true that religion can be used as a drug. Non-religious people sometimes make the mistake of claiming that all religion is escapism, and we know that is false. But we have to concede that individual people can and do sometimes use religion in that way.

[SangamonTaylor]

48. this Presbyterian is quite happy :) [n/t]