Social and community aspects of religion? Yeah, maybe that helps for sure. Maybe it also helps thinking that everything has a purpose, that there is a reason for everything, that good will triumph over evil in the end, that you will be rewarded for your pious life, that when you die, you will go to a better place, be reunited with your loved ones. Religion brings a definite (false) answer to all of the philosophical questions that man naturally asks, which have no real answer. Religion completes our naturally curious mindset (which would otherwise be destined to remain incomplete) and ties everything in a neat little bow. It answers all the hard questions with the answers we all want to hear. Its gives us solace in the chaos, it assures us in the darkness, gives us motivation in our most desperate moments, and comfort in happier times. Religion falsely but convincingly answers all the hard philosophical questions that curious individual might happen to ask. It unites us in our differences, bringing reason, purpose and utter assurance to a reality in which none of those things should logically exist. Yes, religious people may be happier, I have no doubt.
For that matter, so are people with downs syndrome. Consider that and draw whatever parallels you are capable of. Also be sure to keep your replies under three sentences if you desire a reply.
3 sentences? I spent three years working very closely with some people who have down syndrome and saw them experience the range of emotions we all do; including a lot of anger and sadness. Your comparison would be ridiculous even if it were true, and it's not.
