When we speak about religious belief or discipleship, invariably there is a perception of selfless service, of self-denial, and of hope for a better life, to compensate for any discomforts suffered by our faith-based privations in the here and now.
But that’s not the whole story. There is, I think, an element of (perhaps, wholesome) self-interest. I think having faith also brings with it promise of benefits in this present world. I think we need to gain something ‘immediate’ from religion in order to cement our beliefs.
