This Emotional Life: Why Does Religion Make People Happier

It has been argued that religion provides hope to its followers. The article “This Emotional Life: Why Does Religion Make People Happier” By Therese J. Borchard states “These religions solve the “terror” associated with death by promising better life after death.” In other words, religion allow people to hope for a better tomorrow knowing that their death will be worth it. However, Lucius Annaeus Seneca once said “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” Rulers all over the world have wield religion to control the easily swayed. Pope urban II is a perfect example, he manipulated the christian to start war by saying that “the lord spoke to me.” In his inspiring speech for the christian
he made a lot of empty promises to the people of God, in the article “Crusade pope urban II(christian perspective)” states, ”All who die by land or by sea, or in battle against the the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sin. I grant the through the power of God with which I am invested. Let those who for a long time, have been robbers, now become knights.” This would be inspiring if it was true. Pope Urban II promised the christian that if they fought for God they will be forgiven from all sin. Religion is manipulative because anyone can say that the lord spoke to them and other will eventually follow.