In the comment section to her post, Jane Gross replies that the issue is one of public policy, with the emphasis on giving “friendship” legal status. I seem to remember a saying that “Obligation and compulsion spell the death of friendship.”

In my experience, the ranks of those in Gross’ position are stocked predominantly with atheists (I don’t mean that pejoratively) because people with religious hope are less likely to choose solitary, self-centered lifestyles. Makes me wonder if people neglecting their childrens’ religious training are increasing their odds for dying alone?