I believe there is a difference between hope and belief/faith. I'm pretty sure religious leaders of any religion would agree with me.
Hope does no harm, provided you don't live your life 'Waiting for God'. Sadly, I think there are people who do just that.
What is gained by the one dying with their stoic adherence to their belief that they are about to forever cease to exist?
What is to be lost by dying with that belief?
Why does there have to be a reason for the course your life takes? Why does there have to be a reward/punishment? Because it's comforting to think so and because the alternative reduces your importance immeasurably.
Like most people, my own death does not occupy my thoughts very much. I'm perfectly able to live a well-adjusted life believing what I do. I don't have a particular black outlook, although I am a tad cynical; but that isn't neccessarily related to my religious beliefs. Oh, and I'm a happy drunk.
