Free Will

So I read the first Seven Chapters of The Purpose Driven Life, which is available online. It is largely as I expected it to be. Derivative, illogical, but ah, very comforting. This isn't a negative criticism, and I mean that. It's value seems to be that it both tells a certain type of Christian what they already know, and gives them some tips for self-empowerment within that framework. Understandably appealing, I think. After all reinforcement is always nice. That's one of the reasons I like Al Franken. He has arguements, and some facts, and he agrees with me.
This aside, it makes some interesting claims which are just plain untrue. Principal among these is the observation that if there were no God, life would be the consequence of astronomical chances, and essentially meaningless.
Well, I'm still alive. The overall futility of life does not diminish my enjoyment of it on a day to day basis. I'll certainly admit, as an Atheist I am less inclined to be happy. After all, I do not have faith to bolster me in my darker days, and I can more that understand the idea that faith can make life seem more meaningful and worthwhile. A Caveat, here, though. Seemings can be the consequence of illusions. The meaning of Christmas is much more gripping and thrilling to the child who believes that its central figure is a magical elf who grants rather materialistic wishes. Obviously, there is a certain taint to the ceremonies that the newly educated child perceives, grimly aware that behind the facade are their parents with a fresh load of credit card debt. The purposeness of the first childs perspective is unreal, but no less thrilling.
So goes religion, in my view.
Please, I urge people to comment. This sort of dialogue is just the type that invigorates me.