Shock, Horror - Iona Institute Finds Religious People are "Happier" & "Healthier"

[tmesis2008]

What God says is "Be nice to people."

And what does God have for his dinner on Sunday?

What evidence do you have that God says "be nice to people"? Do all the people who are apparently made happier by religion believe that God says only "be nice to people"?

Do you believe in heaven and hell?

[tmesis2008]

Your religion does not concern me.

Are you going to provide proof that someone here smeared David Quinn as you alleged or not?

[midlander12]

Of course they're happier - haven't they an eternal insurance policy? Anyway, if you're big into religion you're liable to have a less critical mind and maybe the dreary realities of this human existence are less taxing for you.

[myksav]

And what does God have for his dinner on Sunday?

What evidence do you have that God says "be nice to people"? Do all the people who are apparently made happier by religion believe that God says only "be nice to people"?

Do you believe in heaven and hell?

From what I've read, some dude named Jesus came up with an idea, "Hey, here's a thing. You know that list of stuff me Dad gave ye to follow? I got it boiled down. Be nice to people. Oh yeah, and love God." (looks around at the twelve other guys hanging out with him) " What ya think?"
Twelve guys stroke beards in thought, look at each other and start nodding, "Yeah, that sounds neat." "Let's run with it." "I like it." "Let's tell everyone."

To believe in heaven and hell would presume a concern about the future state/wellbeing of a soul, as well as presume the existence of said soul. Thanks.

[tmesis2008]

From what I've read, some dude named Jesus....

From what I've read, some dude named Mohammed....

And let's not pretend that Catholics simply believe "Be nice, God is love". There would hardly be a need for a big house in Rome, or for Sunday worship, or prayer, or anything like that if that was all that was believed.

So, that's why these things bother me. If you allow the claim that "God is love" to stand without evidence then you are disarming yourself if someone else claims that "God is hate". You have no grounds on which to object in that case.

[diddleydoo]

To believe in heaven and hell would presume a concern about the future state/wellbeing of a soul, as well as presume the existence of said soul. Thanks.

Er yes, but why the thanks?

Shane.

[politicaldonations]

The one thing I know for certain in this life is that those who tell you they know the genesis, nature and fate of life, the universe and everything are liars as no man knows the ultimate and objective truth of such things. Hearing Patricia Casey on radio advocating the "power of prayer" made me realise how engrained the old ways still are in this country. She said studies had shown th epositive effects of saying "hail marys" etc but this proves nothing, similar studies show chanting harry krishna or anything has similar positive effects for many, so after me everybody "politics.ie, politics.ie, politics.ie" (something a bit cultish about chanting IMO). I actually see extreme unquestioning religous belief as delusion and close to mental illness.

[Lthse]

When ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise...

So sayeth the enlightened one.

[Lao-Tse]

Hearing Patricia Casey on radio advocating the "power of prayer" made me realise how engrained the old ways still are in this country.

Does anyone else find Patricia Casey to be incredibly smug and self-righteous?

[Catalpa]

This is what I believe:

Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.