[TheCleric]

I can assure you that at least in the theological circles I have traveled in you have it exactly backwards. In those traditions happiness is momentary and fleeting, but a contentedness with a state of being regardless of circumstances would be described as joy.

[bumby]

I get what you're saying here but it's an entirely different argument than saying subjective experience has no value. It comes across as so unwilling to acknowledge the inward experience of others as to appear almost insufferably unempathetic.

[TheCleric]

Oh I know this is just a side trail on a bigger discussion. You're completely correct though, ability to understand that other people's experiences are valid is the very definition of empathy.