Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Why are Mormons so Happy?
Lately I've been interested in fictional books, and after getting through the Old and New Testament, I figured I would try the newer new testament. A few months back I ordered this free book online.
I suppose it is expected, no one gives anything away for free without expecting something in return. They called me several times, trying to convert me, and perhaps I fueled the fire by pretending to be interested (yes I am a jerk). It is funny how hard they push the sale of this religion. I am not all that informed on Mormonism, but, it seems much more cultist than other Christian "groups". They seem to have a stronger sense of unity in both their families and in the church. Mormons I find seem to be more Christ-like your typical catholic or protestant, and this is what makes them happier.
Mormons appear irrationally happy, they are a strange and a very unique group. After reading through 1/3rd of their holy book (not exactly and enjoyable read), I still could not understand why it is that Mormons are this way. But, as said previously, it is probably not so much what is in the book, but the strong sense of unity that Mormons have which makes them unique. Today people are more individualistic, and by this I mean self-centered and narcissistic. I read an article last week that stated that the college students of today are substantially less empathetic than the college students were during the 1950s (meaning that they are less able to put themselves in another persons shoes). As a social species, we are at our happiest when we feel like we belong to a group: the more individualistic we become, the less empathetic, bitter, and cold we find ourselves. But, I find that having strong sense of unity causes irrationality and the herd mentality (I believe this is bad, but as an atheist I am biased). As atheists we are more rational, individualistic; this may cause us to become less empathetic, and unhappy. Atheists are often miserable because of rationality—a rationality which we will never surrender. If you look at many of the great philosophers in history, many of them were miserable, as well as atheistic—I do not think this is any coincidence. Here is a fitting quote to sum up my point..
"The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one." -- George Bernard Shaw
If people identify themselves as atheists they can never find unity in this world—people unite when they have beliefs that are in common, but lack of a belief is not a belief, but a void. Atheism makes people individuals, as right as they are, they are alone, and miserable. Sometimes I wish I could be drunk, but I can't find any beer, besides they say being sober is healthier.
It is a shame we can't have our cake and eat it too. At least we are better than most Christians who have the cake but accidently throw it in the garbage.
It is a shame we can't have our cake and eat it too. At least we are better than most Christians who have the cake but accidently throw it in the garbage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)