Yeah, for sure, religion can definitely be a light for some people in dark places - By giving purpose to those who lack it, by providing structure to the world and by assigning a guidebook for living (attitudes, beliefs, norms, practices).
I see that as somewhat a deflection of responsibility - We are the custodians of life's meaning and yet we're just handing the custodianship over to God because it's easier?
I've not always been happy, but I've figured out that I'm ultimately responsible for making myself happy. I don't think I could allow me to lie to myself about God - If I spent anytime at all seriously analysing my thoughts I'd see that I was being dishonest with myself.
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On a point related to what I just said about analysing thoughts, mindfulness or meditation is an extremely empowering practice - I usually recommend people use that as their 'guidebook' for life, if they must have one. It allows us to understand that we decide how we want to feel. We can choose how they react to situations, not just be swept up in the energy of powerful thoughts (negative or positive). It allows us to pick the positive paths forwards, and immediately shut our minds off from even tempting to think about pursuing the negative paths (since we learn that thoughts are constantly passing by, and we can let the negative thoughts go and not be tempted by them).
For example, before I started practicing mindfulness, when I began to think about a stressing thought I would usually follow it down the rabbit hole and get way more stressed, and being in that negative mindset cause me to make all sorts of wrong decisions. Now, if I notice an stressing thought, I notice it for what it is, just another thought, and I don't pay it any heed. I never indulge any thoughts that spiral me into a bad headspace anymore. Now, I'm too aware of the nature of thoughts and too mindful of my thoughts arising to let that sort of thing happen.
I suppose that my point is that mindfulness and meditation, though somewhat of a spiritual practice, can be separated from religion (no supernatural required), and provides (I would argue anyway) far greater benefits for self-growth and improvement than religion does. I know you're a Mormon now, but you should consider doing some research on this (if you, or anyone else, want a place to start, PM me and I'll offer some guidance and link some resources).
Last edited by Ele; Mar 29, 2017 at 06:55 PM.