On the one hand: it’s completely irrational to think like this.
On the other: fearing for your life one moment and then facing tragic outcomes the next, can really torture one’s psyche. People do irrational things when pushed past their limits/tolerances. That includes indulging in the just world fallacy in order to make sense of things.
Why indulge in irrationality at a time like this? Because the alternative is unthinkable in the moment and exposes you to survivor’s guilt, grief, despair, depression, the reality of a random & uncaring universe, and more waiting for you in the end. And it just so happens that the church is often the only psychological support structure folks have, so we get god-fearing advice like in OP’s meme.
As much of an oxymoron as it sounds, I see things like this and think that an “atheist ministry” could do people a lot of good.
Yea I could see benefits to that kind of thing. One of the greatest benefits of religion is the sense of community and belonging it can offer. It’s easy to get wrapped up in delusional thinking, existence is terrifying, especially when anything can happen at any time for no real reason or warning, thinking something will protect you or care for you sounds like a comforting escape. A community of people with the focus theme being embracing non-religion, supporting each other through fellowshipping, meaning meeting regularly and talking about our shared problems, and focusing on helping each other and the community could be a beautiful thing. Without the focus on theme I feel like a lot of these groups exist already. Lots of non-profits to get involved with that offer community and a sense of belonging.
On the one hand: it’s completely irrational to think like this.
On the other: fearing for your life one moment and then facing tragic outcomes the next, can really torture one’s psyche. People do irrational things when pushed past their limits/tolerances. That includes indulging in the just world fallacy in order to make sense of things.
Why indulge in irrationality at a time like this? Because the alternative is unthinkable in the moment and exposes you to survivor’s guilt, grief, despair, depression, the reality of a random & uncaring universe, and more waiting for you in the end. And it just so happens that the church is often the only psychological support structure folks have, so we get god-fearing advice like in OP’s meme.
As much of an oxymoron as it sounds, I see things like this and think that an “atheist ministry” could do people a lot of good.
Yea I could see benefits to that kind of thing. One of the greatest benefits of religion is the sense of community and belonging it can offer. It’s easy to get wrapped up in delusional thinking, existence is terrifying, especially when anything can happen at any time for no real reason or warning, thinking something will protect you or care for you sounds like a comforting escape. A community of people with the focus theme being embracing non-religion, supporting each other through fellowshipping, meaning meeting regularly and talking about our shared problems, and focusing on helping each other and the community could be a beautiful thing. Without the focus on theme I feel like a lot of these groups exist already. Lots of non-profits to get involved with that offer community and a sense of belonging.