Studies have shown that people with faith are happier people.
That is my experience too.

Keith - with respect - that's the kind of statement that usually drives me away from Mudcat discussions. And it does so because my immediate reactions to it includes multiple questions like: What studies? What evidence? Studies from all faiths? Studies from all parts of the world? What studies have measured the happiness of people without faith? And - most importantly - how is "happiness" defined?

As far as your own experience is concerned, who am I to doubt your state of mind? I accept it at face value but would still ask - was there a time when you were without faith - a time to which you can compare your present happiness. A bit of a tongue-in-cheek question, I admit, but you get my point, I'm sure.

I consider myself a very happy person. My family are all around me; I'm able to live modestly; I enjoy my formal work retirement and the music which has permeated my whole life; I live in a pleasant part of Sussex in a small but comfortable house. Life hasn't always been easy - why should it be - but religion has never played a part in the happiness or lack of it. What does my experience count as a statistic?