Happiness

The arguments for and against the existence of God have been sifted through the mouths of everyone with a finger in the fabric of society, and we have reached a point of clarity in which we can extract demographic propensities, nonsense and uninformed ramblings and focus on the tips of the opposing spears. These are the generalized arguments for the existence of God, as I hear them:

1. One specific religion is true, because there is not enough evidence to DISPROVE IT. We have clearly done a drunken about-face on the principle that the burden of proof rests on the shoulders of those making positive claims if we give any credence to this sort of argument. I intend to remain sober and appropriately situated with regards to the idea of proof and evidence.
   
2. It explains the scientifically inexplicable. Religion has hyper-extended human comprehension of the universe, but to no relaxing or healthy contortion. Religious insight has as much of a reason to be in the realm of the scientifically inexplicable as...well, a snowflake in hell.
3. Religion is useful, and in all cases, creates the foundation for a more fully enjoyed life. This is the argument that I want to focus on, having recently finished watching the Truthdig debate between Sam Harris and Chris Hedges.

Are religious and spiritual people actually happier than atheists? One would think that adults with an excuse to have imaginary friends and permission to act as ludicrously as possible would be having a jolly good time, but I can barely see through the gloom that surrounds religious and spiritual seriousness. Atheism has completely inhaled the lighter side of the discourse. Simply watch Sam Harris's opening statement:

Harris Debate

Who's having the most fun? Of course, it could have been because his mind was being tickled by air swiftly moving past it as it soared over the others, but there is clearly an intrinsic sense of humor that comes with science and atheism, and even peace: it is my quasi-professional opinion that the only reason the United States has not fallen into civil wars rife with martyrdom, silly clothing and pick-up trucks is because of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Peace lies in the warmth of a chuckle, not the brooding, endless stare of religious seriousness.