I don't believe I personally would be any less sad if I didn't accept God or Jesus Christ in my life. I, personally, couldn't imagine my life without him now, but I don't feel as if I'd be any more/less sad without his presence.
Motivation doesn't have a religion, and is a key factor in your physical and mental well being. If you are indeed lacking that however, you're bound to misery.
Stereotypically one imagines (I said stereotypically, not actually agreeing with this) that those who believe in God don't get depressed as easily, as they don't give up hope, they don't find things senseless, they believe there is ultimately justice and rewards for belief.... they have hope...
Now, is this true? In reality a person "without God" is no more prone to depression then a person who has god, or vice versa. Now, depression, depending on the sort, can be an actual illness (which means either God has cursed them, or its a natural medical problem etc). Of course there are other sorts that are a bit more dependant on a persons outlook on life, their situation and so forth. However, I don't think a person without god is really more likely to suffer. In fact belief can, for some, be a burden, they feel they aren't living up to gods wishes, some in extreme cases punish them selves mentally (or physically) and can be quite unhappy. Some wonder at the state of the world, and it depresses them - they say "How can God let this happen?"
Ultimately it comes down to a person. Its a bit like saying a person who prefers Fish to chicken is more likely to be depressed, which is not the case. I don't thin depression is linked completely to religion or lack there off...
from experience, there is no doubt in my mind that religion and the belief in god actually do increase people's spirits. The belief in something makes people perk up i guess. My friend was thinking about committing suicide, but then he decided to devote his like to Jesus, and now i cant really remember him not smiling in the last 3 years
Wouldn't there be more reason for depression among "believers"? After all, they have to measure up to standards that often run contrary to human nature. What if they don't match up to the ideal?
"Non-believers" have it easier because they can set their own, perhaps more realistic standards and goals.......
JohnConstantine> Your one friend going from suicidal to happy-smilie 24/7 for three years proves nothing. Except a rather scary fact I would point out.
Of course religion doesn’t make people happier or sadder than atheists. Hope has zap to due with culturally accepted delusions of any kind – and if we loose someone we love, or the gloomy weather gets to us - or a clinical depression – we’ll get down-hearted no matter what.
I’ll actually argue that atheists have more fun. When I achieve something which makes me happy I know I did it – the achievement is mine. I don’t have to thank some imaginary friend.
Originally posted by Jackie Malfoy
I also ask you guys think because if you don't have god to believe in.Would it seem that life is not worth living?Just a thought!JM Got to go goodnight guys!
Alright, not quite sure what that was, but heres my interpretation.
But what is there to life but God, and praising God?
.........*Bitchslaps* Duh! Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll!
i find people who are all religious get all worried and stressed about having to not go to hell. i find that by not getting all stressed about living by cartain rules and living for the sake of seeing what happens in the future is much more enjoyable than spending my life trying to follow rules set in stone then having to go to church to get told how i'm gonnna burn anyway