Looks like those who don't have to rely on invisible imaginary beings are
happier.


A new study (pdf) into the correlation between religious belief and
contentment and security shows that the less religious a society is the
happier and more secure it becomes.

The study, by Gregory Paul, published in Evolutionary Psychology Journal
puts paid to the widely touted notion that without religion society would
collapse. According to Mr Paul, the reverse is true. Religion flourishes
where a society is dysfunctional and poor. When affluence is present and
people feel secure through the provision of health care and social
services, religion quickly loses its hold. In other words, those societies
that have moved furthest away from religion have higher levels of
contentment, stability and affluence.

Unlike many others in his field, Paul does not think that humanity is
hardwired for religion, nor that belief in a higher being is necessary for
a society to achieve a high level of functionality.

"Popular religion," Paul says, "is a coping mechanism for
the anxieties of
a dysfunctional social and economic environment." Simply put, it means that
without safety nets such as universal healthcare (which more prosperous
democracies have), people depend on the "supernatural entities that could
be petitioned for aid and protection."

http://www.secularism.org.uk/116203.html

--- Xnews/5.04.25