Atheists, Agnostics, and the Alternative

I have grown up in the LDS church. All its doctrine makes sense to me, and my life is better as a result of remaining faithful. So when it comes to atheists, I can't help but think that their way of thinking is more than a little depressing. Just think about the concept: we didn't come from anywhere, no one is looking out for us, there are no such things as miracles, and when we die, we do not go anywhere like heaven or hell; we're all just floating around here with no purpose, guidance, or origin. I mean, come on. That's not depressing, thinking that if no one loves you, that's it? If you're needing guidance, and no man can give it to you, sucks to be you? When you die, that's the final straw, you never go anywhere happier or better? Well, no wonder teen suicide numbers are frighteningly high. Not much of an existence if this is your only one.

Please do not get me wrong, I have the deepest respect for atheists and all members of all different religions alike. I just have trouble accepting the concept that atheists share.

The thing about Christianity or any religion with a loving deity/higher power is that you know that after all your troubles, trials, and tribulations, you are loved. For religious folk, there are a couple of things for sure: death, taxes, and (deity)'s love. Give me one example in your life where you were not just a little tiny bit happy when you knew for sure that someone loved you. There you go.

Also, most Christian religions promise a much better, happier, more perfect afterlife where you can be happy, if you follow that gospel's teachings (which almost always teach you to be a good person). Atheism doesn't have this thing most people can look forward to. And these people who do believe in it are generally less optimistic than those who do not.

Happiness is important. Happiness is healthy. Happiness is desirable. Why not be happy? I think that if you have a religion, it's easier to have a more postitive outlook on life, and therefore easier to be happy. And that's one of the most important things to me, and will be throughout my life.