Denial or Doubt

Webster’s dictionary defines an atheist as one who denies that God exists while an agnostic is one who doubts that God exists. The May-June 2012 scientific American magazine issue made a study as to who is better off, the religious or the atheist. Some of their findings are 1. Atheist miss many perks available to one who has faith (a religious person gain a community of similar minded beings, most of whom want you to be in their social circle/network), 2. During troubled times the group will soften your fall, lessen your pain and give you support, 3. Regarding happiness and peace of mind there is something special about couples/friends who are churchgoers who go with you an extra mile giving you comfort.

It seems that the more you are involved in church activities (GKK, EMC, DMI, K of C offerers, readers, lectors etc.) the better off you are mentally and psychologically especially in dealing with others. It seems also that people who are less active/involved in church/religious are less happy than those who are. It also seems family relations are better when the parents and children participate in religious matters (Novenas, G.K.K., Flores de Mayo, Altar Boys, Choir, Cursillo, processions, prayers before meals, nightly rosary, etc.) A Limited worldwide survey shows 2/3 of all nations (69%) believe that religion is important to their life. It also shows that people in poor nations where religion is part of their daily life, are likely to be living in difficult conditions. Finally, the study shows that the connection between religious and better psychological adjustments (meaning to survive emotionally when faced with bad situations) is more visible and stronger in religious nations and disappear in nations without or with very weak religiosity.