Hypothesis: faith, is a sub-set version of Self-Deception...

[Pendrench]

105. Hi MaryMadaline - Although I am a believer (Catholic), I do not think that life is meaningless for

those who do not have faith, or that we who profess a certain faith have any sort of advantage over those who do not believe.

For example, my father recently died (on June 18) - and while I can personally say that my faith offered me comfort, I can also say that I found comfort in the memories of my father, as well as seeing his legacy live on in his children and grandchildren, not to mention the friends he made, and all the good he accomplished in his life.

Those things are independent of faith, and can be shared and celebrated by all of us...so I definitely can see how faith is not necessary to find comfort in such situations.

As far as compassion is concerned, I would bet that many of the people who took care of my dad during his last illness probably did not believe in god...yet their compassion to him and to our family stemmed from the fact that they were simply good, caring people, not because of what they believed or did not believe.

Anyway, those are just my personal thoughts on this issue - I welcome the opportunity to continue this discussion with you and others.

Wishing you well and peace

Tim