Theos-Talk Archives (January 2002 Message tt00478)

<<<Jerry: "Studies have shown that people who have a religous belief live longer and are generally happier than agnostics or atheists. Most
psychologists attribute this to having meaning in their life."

Brigitte: Yes we are making progress with these kind of tests, but I think the jury is still out there, take for example the red wine myth. There where tests that showed red wine would be particularly good, so lots of people started to drink it more. Next came a test that grape juice is just as good. Now ther is a new test from t the Netherlands that states alcohol is good to prevent Alzheimer, but it doesn't matter wich, and wine is no better then another. However the test also state of course that to much alcohol creates exactly that, alcoholic dementia.
Reg. Religion my question is still why exactly, and if there is an even
better alternative.>>>>>>

Studies do indicate that a small to mederate amount of alcohol is healthy, while excessive amounts are bad and can eventually kill you. This is in keeping with the old admonition to do things in moderation and not to excess.

Studies aslo show that women outlive men (better diet habits probably), and that married couples outlive singles - many people find meaning in sharing with others, and this is enough to keep them going.


<<<One could argue that Religion is only for the blind who are leading the blind , and think they are going somewhere.>>>

Just as there is no proof that there is a God, so there is no proof that there is not. There is no proof that we live after death, but there is no proof that we don't either. But the belief in God and in an afterlife gives meaning to people that promotes longevity, and this is all I am trying to say.


<<<But just like children needed parents, many adults feel they miss that, and a religion or organization is the placebo that gives them the feeling they still have it somewhere, and could be the explanation for the beneficial effect. Brigitte>>>

Probably so, and the whole argument of parents is that they serve as protectors, which goes back to the belief in a self needing protection, and etc etc. One could also argue the merits of longevity, the old 'quantity versus quality' dispute.

Jerry S.
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