(Q) said:
That is exactly the problem. It is those beliefs that are held by theists that do not allow us to invest in THIS world to secure a brighter future. Instead, their ideals are to invest in the afterlife, as we are all merely pathetic sinners here on Earth who should spend their time preparing for the afterlife and preclude that which is of this world.
What is of this world that we preclude?
We live here too, we have just faced the insight that living with God gives us plenty more of life, that is neither seen nor understood by most.
Materialistic pleasure such as this messageboard and such as my computer is also a part of my life, science is a part of my life, it may even change it.
If anything, our beliefs and arguments gives scientists a push to think again, cause we don't accept just anything.
This world is
secondary concerning our beliefs, we live here and as such it is of uttermost importance to us, to share our love with others is sharing our love with God and God with us.
As such the world is necessary, that it is secondary don't mean that it is unnecessary and totally wrong and dull (and whatever bad you can call it), that it comes secondary just means that it doesn't come first.
We know we are all going to die, in this world, as such the world cannot come first - it is too flawed even to hold us.
But it is so complete that it can hold love, which makes it second - but not first.
What is meaningful for us is what counts here, in this world, materialistical things just haven't got that status of meaningful so as to stretch into the afterlife. Love has such status, faith has such status, but the materialistical things will eventually break down.
Sorry, but it just doesn't last.