I find it hard to believe that not having an answer about the uncaused causer (no religion can solve that either!), or the meaning of life, or why things exist, or what happens when we die, etc., remotely explains why people are depressed or commit suicide.
Where's the connection?
I can accept that being a member of a religious organization can have protective effects, not just psychologically, but also socially, financially, or logistically (people can take care of your kids or give you legal and tax advice.
But how does that remotely link not knowing the mysteries of life to depression and suicide?
Not to mention, religion isn't even able to answer any of those questions.
They just tell you accept things. If that's the case, it's not the answer that matters, it's the presence of an authority structure that tells you what to believe so you don't have to make decisions for yourself.
Sure, for those people, we can bring structure and authority back in their lives. A social authority can tell you what to believe, where you belong, and what's right and wrong. It doesn't even need to explain anything. It just needs to command authority, because that's what religion does.
I find it hard to believe that Christians solve for any of these questions any better than Buddhists or Muslims or Sikhs.
Where's the connection?
I can accept that being a member of a religious organization can have protective effects, not just psychologically, but also socially, financially, or logistically (people can take care of your kids or give you legal and tax advice.
But how does that remotely link not knowing the mysteries of life to depression and suicide?
Not to mention, religion isn't even able to answer any of those questions.
They just tell you accept things. If that's the case, it's not the answer that matters, it's the presence of an authority structure that tells you what to believe so you don't have to make decisions for yourself.
Sure, for those people, we can bring structure and authority back in their lives. A social authority can tell you what to believe, where you belong, and what's right and wrong. It doesn't even need to explain anything. It just needs to command authority, because that's what religion does.
I find it hard to believe that Christians solve for any of these questions any better than Buddhists or Muslims or Sikhs.