[blvr]

>>> I'd like to clarify that I see a difference between the so-called Christian "way of life" and the Christian "way of thinking". The activities and behaviours (e.g. hard work, fair dealing, etc.) of the Christian way of life may lead to happiness, but the thoughts and mindset of the Christian way of thinking may not (e.g. guilt over over normal sexual desires).

>>> In fact, I think that many religions, and this especially goes for more severe, "by the book" versions of Christianity, actually make people much less content with themselves, but they carry on spreading themselves in spite of (or because of) this anyway.

Just curious what your exposure to Christianity is?

Reason being is that I've gone from a secular background to belonging to a very devout church and in my experience Christians are much happier. Sexual self-denial isn't a problem and it seems that if anything it leads to happiness, considering the amount of personal problems indulging every sexual desire causes.

>>> Perhaps it is the case that (most) humans need to work in order to be happy. What does this mean when we arrive at a level of technological sophistication that makes work unnecessary?

If we do ;-)

[mike-cardwell]

People of all religions tend to think that members of their religions are happier than non-members. It's a major part of the self delusion. There is nothing special about Christianity in this regard.

[rblackwater]

> in my experience Christians are much happier

Maybe because when they do something wrong, they believe an imaginary being will forgive and still love them; or if they encounter difficulty, they can beg this imaginary being to help and think they're doing something meaningful.

[timtadh]

> believe an imaginary being

Needlessly condescending. I am sure the parent is well aware of the "imaginary being" criticism of his belief.

[rblackwater]

I felt the parent and grandparents were being condescending. I have no regrets.

[hnriot]

Sexual self-denial isn't a problem and it seems that if anything it leads to happiness, considering the amount of personal problems indulging every sexual desire causes.

I'm glad this is working for you, but please don't think for a moment that more than a few individuals that can't handle adult relationships that involve sex think this way. Cognitive dissonance likely has a large psychological component in your reasoning.

[adriand]

> Just curious what your exposure to Christianity is? Reason being is that I've gone from a secular background to belonging to a very devout church and in my experience Christians are much happier.

My experience is exactly the same as yours, except in the reverse order. ;)