Are religious people happier than non-religious people?

Of course. Who wouldn't be happy talking to some big guy in the sky that doesn't talk back?

I seriously doubt it.

Some are, some aren't. Religion isn't the determining factor. general disposition and attitude towards everyday life determines happiness more. Religion wouldn't always change that aspect of a person.

Depends on their religion - is it one of hope, or one of fear?

Well I don't know I think happiness is within a person. I think no matter what you believe in, if you think it (religion, good luck charm etc) makes you happy than it will
MIND OVER MATTER

Some are. I understand the concept of some one who loses everything still has 'god'. I have seen religion help people deal with hard times and especially death. I don't think it makes people feel happy but it helps. The big picture, I don't think religion is a deciding factor in happiness.

Um....

I believe it is because they have something to look forward to, death is a scary thing to some. If you have an idea or picture of what is to come it is less scary, also they have someone to support them ie... the church etc... and they feel better about themselves if they are part of something. I personally am not religious but I don't think it makes a difference in my happiness.

Hmm.... the fist thing that popped in my mind is 'ignorance is bliss"....

But ...... it's probably about equal... even though, most religious people I know are pretty unhappy... I think a lot of them have faith because they feel the need to cling to something....

I feel the need to cling, but instead of a god I chose Anne. I'm lucky she doesn't mind too much.

I'm clingy like that too..... and touchy.... I can't keep my hands off Ben.... not always in a sexual way... I just like to touch him.

I'm a leaner. If Anne happens to be within two feet of me I'm like velcro. Can't help it.

Dammit, this is making me want Ben to hurry up and get here. I think I'll ravage him tonight

No ravaging for me. I'm many many miles away.

Oh, are you in Texas now?

It's okay... just think of the ravaging when you get back!

Oh, I am.

Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't.
For example, a Christian might be happier than some random atheist, because they believe they are going to heaven.
On the other hand, an atheist might be happier than some random Christian, because they live without the ties a religion might bring.

I doubt it

I read that religious people are happier in general than non religious people. I also read that they are healthier too. I think it's contributed to a person’s level of faith. If a person has unbreakable faith in their God then they are less likely to worry so much. They are less likely to be lonely too if they are involved in weekly (support group) religious services. All those factors play a part in the health and well being of a person. So I say yes they probably are happier.

Religious people are better at convincing themselves that they are happy than non-religious people.

Happiness is an emotional response to stimuli,
not a psychological constant.

Contentment however can be achieved with some consistency,
particularly with adequate amounts of sex and beer.

Well of course! We're all going to heaven and you're not even invited!

God Knows?

Hmmmm, good question. I believe true happiness is only attained through living righteous principles of humility, diligence, hope, charity, etc. I see a lot of people in this world who lack these traits. I'm not one to judge, I don't know their inner workings. You can see a difference between one who lives these and one who doesn't. That difference I would argue is their level of pure happiness. Most people who live these, in my opinion, are religious. Therefor, yes, i think they are. Of course this is going by my sphere of spectating.

> Happiness is an emotional response to stimuli,
> not a psychological constant.


Interesting definition of happiness.

Long term...yes

Religious people can take to heart the fact that their religion gives them peace and they will be happy with that belief. Non-religious people can feel that their lives are perfectly balanced without believing in something intangible. Religious people may be involved in activities that their religion frowns upon, and they can be unhappy and torn. Non-religious people can be walking through life feeling cold and alone, unable to trust in something higher...and be very unhappy.

wow, you just replied to me a lot!

I see 2 types of religious people. One type has LOVE in their hearts. Their objective in their daily life is to love God with all their heart and mind and soul, and to love their neighbor as themselves, and to conduct themselves in such a way that their love shows. I believe those people are happy. The other religious type has a rigid set of rules or doctrines they attempt to live by and expect everyone else to live by as well, but they don't have love in their heart. They are quick to point out to non believers that they are going to burn in hell for their non belief. These people are generally less happy, and the people who have to live within their sphere of influence are generally less happy also.

I dunno there. I have known some pretty damned miserable supposedly religious people...and on the other hand, i have known some extraordinarily pleasant Atheists, and vice-versa. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

I think it may be possible for non-religious people to be as happy as religious people if they are not burdened by guilt, but (as a lapsed religious person) I have often found that condition more difficult to be at ease with than when I was religious.. Having been brought up a Catholic, though reason and lack of empathy does not allow me to maintain Catholic beliefs, like so many in my position I personally still carry around the burden of guilt, original sin,etc. I feel this is ridiculous, but it is difficult to dismiss the threats of eternal damnation and hellfire that so influenced my childhood. I shall be eager to read others' feelings on this matter.

No. A lot of religions are huge guilt-trips and teach that people are inherently bad and requiring salvation. I think I'm happier not believing that.

Depends on the person and the religion