Do Atheists Miss Out on Any Benefits of Religion?

As an atheist, my life has become remarkably calm and settled. I no longer struggle with the notions of Heaven or Hell. Gone are the days of having nightmares or bad dreams of any kind. I no longer fear death while also not pining for the day when I can be in Heaven with no cares. This change reflects the significant transformation in my life that aligns with the absence of religious beliefs.

Benefits Free from Religious Influence

One major benefit of being an atheist is not wasting large amounts of my lifespan on considerations of things that never happened and never will. Unlike theists, atheists do not engage in endless contemplation of future realms or spiritual outcomes. Instead, we focus on the tangible and the present, leading to a more practical and realistic approach to life.

Lessening the Impact of Harmful Beliefs

Less-bad religions might serve some purposes against more negative ones, but ultimately, the worst religions often overshadow the more positive ones. For instance, a sociopath might be dissuaded from harmful actions against co-religionists, though they are more likely to justify their behavior using selectively interpreted scriptures. Similarly, soldiers who believe they do not die may become more effective combatants, but this mindset may also encourage leaders to instigate more conflicts.

Economic and Social Benefits

Religion provides comfort and a sense of community, especially for those worried about hellfire or nebulous ideas of eternal blackness. It also creates an industry around religious products like crucifixes, worry-beads, and tee-shirts. While this might fulfill a psychological need, considering the alternatives could be even more beneficial. Would it not be better if artisans created products that are both useful and amusing, such as Rubik's Cubes and witty shirts?

Unnecessary Beliefs and Matters of Choice

The hardest question remains: do people who almost completely lack intellect actually waste valuable time with religion? While religion may serve as a comfort to some, it is also possible that other forms of escapism, such as Bingo, could fulfill the same role. If my air-conditioning were broken during a heatwave, and the only air-conditioned public building available was a church, I might still be tempted to go there. However, this decision would heavily depend on the church's policies regarding noise and personal reading materials.

Conclusion

Despite the potential benefits of religion, the atheist perspective offers a life free from the burden of imaginary futures. While religion may serve roles such as moral guidance, solace in difficult times, and a sense of community, these benefits can be achieved through secular means. Life as an atheist is not a loss but a gain, offering a more grounded and practical existence.