Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Some people call this Volunteering. Helps to clear the mind and reorganize priorities. Alleviates guilt. Puts less pressure on the government.
I remember one time I was in an Aldi’s supermarket (sells staples at a uniformly low price) and I noticed two gentlemen purchasing large quantities of rice, meat, and vegetables. They were having a great time, laughing and behaving as though they were delighted. I overheard their plans with the purchases; they were headed out to give the food away to people who needed it.
Charity works both ways. I am only familiar with Christianity, but I would bet that almost every major system of belief factors in this concept. You get more than you can give away…
Probably because American culture specifically and Christian culture more generally (which is strongly influential towards American culture) is designed to make people feel ashamed if they don’t believe in God.
Mainly because of the hassle. If people ask, then I will tell them “no, I don’t”. But this usually starts some great debate which I’m tired of having. I had a friend who I’ve known since I was 7 or 8 (and met in church of all places. I was made to go till I was 15 or so and said no more). Finally had to stop talking to her because every time we went out, she would try to convert me, and all I wanted to do is party and have fun. Shame really, she was smoking :eek:
I have another friend, who will just out of the blue “I can’t believe you don’t believe in God”. Like it’s some great mystery that I don’t. He can’t comprehend it. This used to start a debate, but now I just say “nope” and drop it.
I have no problem with other people believing in a religion, as long as they keep it to themselves and don’t try to force it on me. I don’t try to convert people to athiesm, why do christians try to convert me?
I think this is in its own way a very good answer to the question: it is discomforting to face deep and difficult questions. Religions provide an answer, and this comforts many people, even if the answer supplied is - shall we say - not always wholly convincing.
This also explains why people cling to religious views even if they are patently at odds with reality: they do not wish to be adrift without their comforting certainties.
Why are there so many athiests on the internet? Easy: they have questions and are prepared to learn.