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

[Defeated Romanticist]

Your first hypothesis is unprovable, though anecdotally I'd apply the saying "ignorance is bliss" to the condition of being religious, i.e., having blind faith that there is something removes the need to ask certain questions of the world and therefore worry about the lack of answers.

I agree with your second hypothesis insofar as we first make the assumption that happy people tend to have an optimistic view of life. Several GP friends of mine have read articles on optimism having a significant impact on health and longevity. As a funny take on this, check out The Death Clock - When Am I Going To Die? - the factor that most gives you longer life is optimism.

It is provabe and has been proven extensively by Jonathon Haidt.

[tmesis2008]

Mr.De-Regulation,

Excuse me, I'm still waiting for you to substantiate your claim that a poster here called David Quinn a liar, a homophobe and an extremist.

That is a serious accusation, and if it isn't true is should be retracted immediately with apologies.

[Oppenheimer]

It is provabe and has been proven extensively by Jonathon Haidt.

No, it is not proven by that article nor is it provable.

The broad brush application of "non-religious" or "conservative" is unidimensional in its treatment and ignores the myriad of other things people can be. So, for instance, I am non-religious but I have a deep community based social life, and as I said earlier, I do not believe I could be happier. My position of agnosticism is also important in this as I feel it unimportant to base my morality on a religion and much prefer to take my cues from my environment and human empathy. In fact, I could arguably say, by the standards you are arguing here, I am MORE happy than religious people.

[imokyrok]

It is provabe and has been proven extensively by Jonathon Haidt.

Thats not a link to a study DR. Just somebody else writing generally about haidt supposed findings. If you are going provide a link about a study it is generally best to go direct to the author so that those of us who are interested can examine the quality of the study.

[myksav]

I've certainly been happier in the decades since I ditched religion than before - and I've more money in my pocket.

What religion were you in that cost money to be in?

[Oppenheimer]

What religion were you in that cost money to be in?

The Catholic one asks for money every Sunday, twice if I recall, don't they? Also, to be baptised, receive first Communion, be Confirmed, etc... all cost money.

[Mr.De-Regulation]

And I'm not an "anti-religious nutjob", I'm a perfectly happy agnostic.

Your religion does not concern me.

[myksav]

If religion were only a personal "feeling" then I would understand where you were coming from. But, it isn't is it?



Because the statement after "religion makes you happy" is "God doesn't want you to wear a condom" or "God doesn't want you to be homosexual" or "God says that me and my people are supposed to have this piece of land". See? These people don't stop at "religion makes you happy", they use that claim as a basis for their other claims.
The Iona Institute make arguments against the rights of gay people in this country (and other things besides that) based on their religious convictions. That they are happy doing it matters not a jot.

What God says is "Be nice to people."

[imokyrok]

The Catholic one asks for money every Sunday, twice if I recall, don't they? Also, to be baptised, receive first Communion, be Confirmed, etc... all cost money.

Some religions require a tithe of a tenth of all income. Think of what that could do if it wasn't supporting pastors and churches. In truth though I guess few people would give over a tenth of their income for no personal return. ( ie. a place in "heaven"). My step dad gives a tenth to his baptist church. It drives my catholic mum nuts!

[imokyrok]

What God says is "Be nice to people."

I think if that was all religious people claim God says us humanists/secularists/atheists etc would be very happy chappies indeed!