Now, for all those who have ever been in a religious household, been to religious events, or even been religious themselves should no where this is headed.

We have all had things in our lives that have been hard to deal with. My question is, Do people use religion to cope with such things?

I have found that yes, it is mainly a device for coping. I have been to far to many funerals and the same things are always said:
"I'm so sorry for your loss"
"You're in my prayers"
"He/She is in a better place now"
"God decided he wanted him/her in heaven because of his outstanding love" etc.

Is it simply not coping? Do people not use it to feel better? After all, "Knowing" a loved one is always happy, always watching over you and that you will someday join them in eternal salvation in heaven make dealing with ones death easier?

Rather than have the "Atheists are right the religious are wrong" argument come into play I would like to hear your opinions and ideas. What are your thoughts?