But that is always how it has been when you really think about it. The religious people were the poor, the downtrodden, those who are life's failures, and as such have little choice but to wish and pray for things to get better.
It's the whole notion of jesus': it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to go to heaven.
The religious are, and always have been, peasants. That's why you see 97% religiosity in Africa compared to 13% religiosity in Japan. The only country that does not follow along with this pattern is USA.
Let's be honest, I know you religious folk would use the word 'praying', but in reality all it actually means is 'begging'. You're like hobo's, and I dare you to try and offer a difference between the two.
As Audible stated, "I can keep my belly full", and that's really all that it comes down to. Those who suffer continually are religious, those who win the lottery don't give a shit.
But then it makes me wonder... If those who don't believe are so successful generally, and those who do believe don't have what they need/desire, then how worthwhile is it in having your god? Oh yes, I'm aware when everyone's dead you'll have a city of gold and gemstones to live in.. wow! But really, we seem to be getting along better without your god than we ever would with him.
Perhaps it be better said as: We are content with what we have, whereas you need more. You're unhappy with your lot in life and need some lucky star/space entity fantasy to cling to in order to think it's ok that you're unhappy with your lot in life.
And yes, I have heard the majority of your stories: I was a serious alcoholic and was almost dead when I found god, or: I was in a serious car crash and found god, or: My mother died and I found god.
You are known as the 'born agains'. I would be curious to hear some more stories from you born agains.. tell me what personal tragedies and losses you went through that made you born again. Tell me all about how life dealt you such shit cards that you decided to start looking skyward, just like someone who buys a lottery ticket will cross his fingers with the same level of "faith" that you espouse is actually of some value in life. It's equivalent to simple hope because you want something better, nothing more.