Originally Posted by tore

I assume the main comfort is the belief that you will go to heaven. Possibly, a feeling that something bigger than us loves you can also be a comfort.

But I agree, the amount of artificial problems religion typically creates is considerable .. like the worry that your loved ones will end up in hell, as described by JWB. Even questioning your religion privately in your mind can become an act of shame and fear. Religion's ability to stir our emotions is certainly one of the most important aspects contributing to its own survival and I think fear is probably more effective than love and comfort when it comes to generating belief and dedication to an idea.