Do Christians have a better life than non-believers?

[SunnyBar]

Do Christians have a better life than non-believers in God? Is there any evidence (reward) to prove there is a better life in following religion?

[AndyAvery]

Not necessarily. Perhaps more fulfilling, less depressing. If it weren't that way people would become Christians for the better life rather than the correct reason. I live my life as a Christian looking to the future and taking whatever comes now as temporary. I have ups and downs like everyone. Perhaps my downs aren't so bad as I can see to the other side of them. One of the Christian principles is to accept what you've got and not worry about getting more, not always easy, but certainly a recipe for a happier life!

[andy hughes]

This is a seriously hard question for which to find a simple answer. As an Atheist, I have no problem with no 'afterlife' to look forward to, and I find a serious problem with the "I've got something you need ..." philosophy, although that's less to do with Chritianity, than with Christians. If people are comforted by their faith, and live better lives because of it, great, but from a personal perspective, i do my best to be a good person because that means I can live with myself, and has nothing to do with building credit for a future existence. If there is a God, and he is true to the Christian belief, he will embrace me if i repent, and believe me I will! Does that sound cynical? I hope not, it's all a matter of personal perspective.

[mikewith]

I know people who are pretty miserable because they *want* to believe but don't... they feel there is something wrong with them.
Any evidence that religious people might have it right is probably waiting for us after we die. If they're right (and people like me end up in Hell) then they'll be able to say they have a better (after)life at least...

[WaldoMcFroog]

Another atheist here, I'm afraid... There is considerable evidence to show that people (not just Christians) who have a religious faith tend to live longer and suffer from less stress-related illnesses. Although I believe that when I die I will cease to exist, my ego has a hard time dealing with this idea. I keep telling it to chill out, but occasionally, it gets a little upset. People with a faith tend not to suffer from internal dialogues like this, and so there's a benefit there. But then having a cat makes you live longer too... As does being married. As does being rich and able to afford the best standard of life, and attendant health care, so go figure... I believe in longer life through a superior record collection.

[tracymort]

Well i guess they don't get a nice lie in on a Sunday!

[rekstout]

If you forgive the pun, it takes a great deal of faith to be an atheist. To go through you entire life knowing that when you die that's it - what then dictates your moral code if there is no divine retribution in the afterlife. For the record I am a cop-out agnostic.

[beenee]

Don't agonize over it - it'll all be over soon. *sunshiney happy thoughts to all!*

[Calvesy]

Another depressed atheist here.

The problem with being a person of faith is that you have to swallow the idea that an imaginery invisible omnipotent friend loves you and yet sadistically murders and tortures millions of more deserving people every year on a scale that is the envy of the most twisted sickest despots to have walked the Earth in human form.

A thorough brainwashing, available at a church near you, can prevent you having reality-oriented thoughts like the one above, giving you the illusion of a happier life.

[arthurstace]

There is no evidence to suggest that people who believe in a god lead "better" lives (whatever that might mean).

I challenge WaldoMcFroog to cite the "considerable" sources that offer a contrary opinion.