““Studies of apostates — people who were religious but later rejected their religion — report feeling happier, better and liberated in their post-religious lives.””
I suppose that would depend entirely on what religion it was they believed and later rejected ...
The issue isn’t religion or a specific religion, but belief in God versus belief in yourself as god (atheism).
I made a personal observation. My observation remains true. YMMV.
ampu
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Romans 1:21-22 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Psalm 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth tight unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.