So my uncle has turned to religion. . .

More Than Mortal · May 13, 2015, 11:36:57 AM

He is bipolar, with all the things that come with that.

Today, just as I was leaving my grandma's house he hands me Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. He had written this inside: "To Ashton, with lots of love from Uncle Jovi. Be blessed in Jesus' mighty name, Amen."

Most of you will know I'm a staunch atheist, but I really don't know what to make of it. He's happy.

The Lord Ruler · May 13, 2015, 11:39:33 AM

if hes not trying to oppress people who cares

More Than Mortal · May 13, 2015, 11:44:06 AM

Quote from: The Lord Ruler on May 13, 2015, 11:39:33 AM

if hes not trying to oppress people who cares

The people close to him. People interested in the impact of religion on society. People interested in philosophy in general.

I mean, come on, "who cares?" is a pretty innocuous thing to say on a forum. I didn't indicate that I was intending to all fedora-tipper on him and send him links of Christopher Hitchens. . . Or do anything for that matter.

The Lord Ruler · May 13, 2015, 11:47:06 AM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on May 13, 2015, 11:44:06 AM

Quote from: The Lord Ruler on May 13, 2015, 11:39:33 AM
if hes not trying to oppress people who cares
The people close to him. People interested in the impact of religion on society. People interested in philosophy in general.

I mean, come on, "who cares?" is a pretty innocuous thing to say on a forum. I didn't indicate that I was intending to all fedora-tipper on him and send him links of Christopher Hitchens. . . Or do anything for that matter.

so than what the fuck do you want to discuss

Mordo · May 13, 2015, 11:48:05 AM

If he's bipolar he's probably more than likely not that serious about it.

Still, if it keeps him happy and alleviates his illness to a certain extent, then no harm no foul really.

More Than Mortal · May 13, 2015, 11:49:27 AM

Quote from: The Lord Ruler on May 13, 2015, 11:47:06 AM

so than what the fuck do you want to discuss

Mental illness.
Religion.
How the two relate.
Whether or not religion is an effective tool for the mentally ill.
Whether or not it's worth sacrificing our epistemic principles to use such a tool.

Come on, I don't need to spoon-feed you.

The Lord Ruler · May 13, 2015, 11:55:34 AM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on May 13, 2015, 11:49:27 AM

Quote from: The Lord Ruler on May 13, 2015, 11:47:06 AM
so than what the fuck do you want to discuss
Mental illness.
Religion.
How the two relate.
Whether or not religion is an effective tool for the mentally ill.
Whether or not it's worth sacrificing our epistemic principles to use such a tool.

Come on, I don't need to spoon-feed you.

You said he was happy right? I'm sure religion his working for him than. Some people it won't be enough.

You're thinking too much about it if you think there's more than that.

More Than Mortal · May 13, 2015, 11:57:46 AM

Quote from: The Lord Ruler on May 13, 2015, 11:55:34 AM

You said he was happy right? I'm sure religion his working for him than. Some people it won't be enough.

You're thinking too much about it if you think there's more than that.

This is a place for discussion, for people who want to discuss relevant information and ideas. If you don't think there's a discussion to be had, you're welcome to not participate.

Alternative Facts · May 13, 2015, 12:02:30 PM

If believing in a deity makes a bit of his life with mental illness easier, I see no problem with it.

PSU · May 13, 2015, 12:15:20 PM

If he's happy than who gives a fuck?

Would you rather be a miserable depressed atheist or a happy religious person?

Verbatim · May 13, 2015, 12:18:21 PM

Miserable depressed atheist.

More Than Mortal · May 13, 2015, 12:19:49 PM

Quote from: PSU on May 13, 2015, 12:15:20 PM

Would you rather be a miserable depressed atheist or a happy religious person?

I didn't say I would. I'm glad he's happy, it was terrible when he was depressive for both him and us, but it certainly opens up interesting questions about how religion and mental illness relate and deeper philosophical considerations about the trade-off between knowledge and happiness.

It's also a personal issue for me; experiencing something this closely has shaken by strongly negative view of religion. I'll probably go to the local church and speak to the Father. If anybody has any advice on the best way to approach the issue then it'll be the a clergyman.

PSU · May 13, 2015, 12:19:52 PM

Quote from: Verbatim on May 13, 2015, 12:18:21 PM

Miserable depressed atheist.

What? Why?

Verbatim · May 13, 2015, 12:23:46 PM

Because at least then, I know the truth. I'd rather not live a lie. Personally.

OT:
Don't worry about it.

PSU · May 13, 2015, 12:24:32 PM

Quote from: Verbatim on May 13, 2015, 12:23:46 PM

Because at least then, I know the truth.

Haha whatever you say kid

King pesto · May 13, 2015, 12:28:18 PM

I have a lot of trouble seeing how Christianity can make people happier. The idea of an unending, infinitely powerful dictator is terrifying to me.

w/e · May 13, 2015, 12:43:40 PM

Desperate people turn to religion.

When you're desperate you become weak, and when you're weak you will accept comforting things without thinking about it too much.

I think that most people have something that they turn to when weak. For me, I'd say that it's attention from anyone, seeing as how I shitpost in concentrations. Everybody wants attention, but I want it too much.

If I were to get enough attention to satisfy me, then I wouldn't shit post.

If your uncle were to receive what he wants, then he wouldn't turn to religion for it.

That's my take on it (where religion is like a disease that the weak have).

PSU · May 13, 2015, 12:53:32 PM

Religious people are stupid.
Religion is a disease for the weak.
I don't want to be religious and live a lie.

Hahahahahahahahaha

w/e · May 13, 2015, 12:57:08 PM

Ushan · May 13, 2015, 01:09:04 PM

Eh, probably needs a coping mechanism, and I'd imagine it's better for someone with a mental disorder to go out and be part of a group than to lock themselves up and start drinking or something.

Turkey · May 13, 2015, 01:54:21 PM

Mere Christianity is a great book. Give it a read.

challengerX · May 13, 2015, 01:56:10 PM

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More Than Mortal · May 13, 2015, 01:56:48 PM

Quote from: HurtfulTurkey on May 13, 2015, 01:54:21 PM

Mere Christianity is a great book. Give it a read.

I was actually planning on it.

Mr. Psychologist · May 13, 2015, 03:21:23 PM

If it helps him keep his life on track, makes him happy and what not then it's a good thing.

When psychiatric medication is prescribed, generally the doctors have no idea why it works, just that it does. If people are happy to go with it then something that also works, regardless of the why, shouldn't be a problem <.<

Spoiler

jk, decapitate him with a steel ringed fedora

Incan · May 13, 2015, 03:37:31 PM

A lot of older people become religious from what I know, as death gets closer the thought of a good after life becomes a lot more appealing to get you through the day.

SecondClass · May 13, 2015, 04:38:55 PM

If he's happy then who cares? Happiness is the only thing life is about.

Super Irish · May 13, 2015, 05:05:32 PM

So long as he isn't shoving it done your throat, it's perfectly fine. He's happy believing in a higher power, and you're perfectly fine not.

Thank him for the book, read it or don't, and continue on.

challengerX · May 13, 2015, 05:14:38 PM

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Doctor Doom · May 13, 2015, 05:19:55 PM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on May 13, 2015, 11:36:57 AM

He's happy.

Then let him be.

aREALgod · May 13, 2015, 05:33:47 PM

Being an atheist is choosing ignorance. There is no absolution on either side.