Are Christians proportionately more likely to be happy?

RegTheHedge · 06/09/13 - 15:05

...when compared to the non religious / athiests

Jane Doh! · 06/09/13 - 15:07

RegTheHedge wrote: »

...when compared to the non religious / athiests

No. Why would they be?

JELLIES0 · 06/09/13 - 15:07

More or less exactly the same IMHO.

delly · 06/09/13 - 15:08

Your threads don't make me happy.

kimindex · 06/09/13 - 15:31

No, too many variables in people's lives (and I don't think non-believers are more intelligent or religious people are mentally ill, either). I think people's religion can give them happiness but that goes for lots of other things.

[Deleted User] · 06/09/13 - 15:32

Not good.

grantus_max · 06/09/13 - 15:33

RegTheHedge wrote: »

...when compared to the non religious / athiests

Yes and/or no.

imrightok · 06/09/13 - 15:48

Jane Doh! wrote: »

No. Why would they be?

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2009/02/does-religion-m.html

Jane Doh! · 06/09/13 - 15:54

imrightok wrote: »

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2009/02/does-religion-m.html

Which doesn't answer the question, but thanks, it was an interesting read.

Miss XYZ · 06/09/13 - 17:08

No, not sure why they should be...

dee123 · 06/09/13 - 17:15

Aren't they more likely to bitch and moan about all us other little heathens? At least that's what they seem to do around here.

[Deleted User] · 06/09/13 - 17:21

I suppose an argument could be made for them being happier than atheists if they believe that as long as they admit, and repent for, their sins to God (and screw the real world) then they don't have to worry about feelings of guilt or worry about the harm they may have done.

But - having said that - they could worry that their repentance isn't enough and that could make them unhappier.

Basically - I don't think being a Christian (or of any other religious flavour) would automatically make a person happier or unhappier than anybody else.

It is all about how you live your life and what makes you happy or sad.

lucifer sam · 06/09/13 - 17:22

Why would you ask?

rupert_pupkin · 06/09/13 - 17:26

Christian Bale seems like a miserable git

Then again Christian O'Ronaldo looks content with his lot

I vote No

Shutup · 06/09/13 - 17:34

Are Inactive Members proportionately more likely to be happy?

Titan9 · 06/09/13 - 17:35

Shutup wrote: »

Are Inactive Members proportionately more likely to be happy?

No, until they prop up under a different persona.

[Deleted User] · 06/09/13 - 18:05

People with a regular social gathering in their lives are not only much happier on average but live several years longer. Going to church fits the bill perfectly. (So do art classes, zumba classes and very likely BDSM groups, but standing alone in a bar getting quietly pissed doesn't count).

Watcher #1 · 06/09/13 - 18:11

IIRC there is some research that shows believers to be 'happier', apparently because their belief provides some comfort when dealing with the issues and challenges they face.

Of course, this has no bearing on the truth or otherwise of that belief, and I can't imagine any non-believer choosing to believe to feel happier.

It also raises the question - are protestants happier than catholics? How about Sikhs vs Jews? Sunni or Shi'a?

grantus_max · 06/09/13 - 18:12

wonkeydonkey wrote: »

...standing alone in a bar getting quietly pissed doesn't count.

Balls...

tealady · 06/09/13 - 18:21

Content but not necessarily happy.
Quote "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

RogerBailey · 06/09/13 - 18:22

I became a Christian in my late 20s. I was more at peace with myself, but I didn't become happier as such.

Christians certainly aren't immune from depression for example.

Eurostar · 06/09/13 - 18:50

It does stand to reason. I've a suspicion that atheists have a bleaker and more fatalistic outlook on life which doesn't necessarily lend itself to 'happiness'.