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> I can’t be certain of that

This shares notions with simulation theory and other non-falsifiable hypotheses.

I take a practical approach here. We exist today. What will we make of it? Regarding these notions, my thought is since no one can be certain, what practical impact does that have? Typically the answer is "none whatsoever."

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Even the OP implies that there is some mental benefit to using hope as a coping mechanism. Even still, I would think most practitioners are doing it because they receive some sort of practical benefit now, in addition to the hope they hold in the afterlife. Most religious communities provide social/emotional/spiritual fulfillment for the parishioner in the present.

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