Some people believe that praying to a God or gods gives humans a sense of belonging. Belonging to what? If you are praying to a false god or an invisible friend, which does not exist then any sense of belonging that you get within your schizophrenic mind is irrelevant because it is not real. Those that believe in something other than self very strongly such as a sense of nationalism, Satan, God, God's or Santa Claus or even the Fiery Tooth Godmother, I suppose could find a sense of belonging if they so choose to interpret their schizophrenia condition in that way.

Recently a friend mentioned that by praying humans feel that they're not alone to face the hard realities of this world. However, I submit to you that if a human being cannot handle the hard realities of this world or the perils, which we all face then they are weak and not strong enough to live in this world because humans live on the surface of the planet which can be a hostile place at times.

Are these folks that are praying in all these religions using religion as a crutch to cope with life and help them feel like they belong? If so why? Why had they chosen to hide from reality? Why do they not faced reality and stand in the face of adversity and allow them selves to build the personal character it takes to survive.

A sense of belonging does not require belief in a God or prayer to God. It is an utterly ridiculous and completely preposterous statement indeed. Mass hallucinations of huge populations subscribing to a particular religion or the schizophrenic invisible friend syndrome is not healthy for humans. Consider this in 2006.