Studies show Religious people are happier and have less social problems, do you believe it? (America, priests)

[tooshort]

Nope, I don't believe it. I actually think the opposite.

[irishmom]

Originally Posted by Angry Aspie

Depends on what their 'religion' is. If its about having visions while smoking rope (there are people like that out there), then probably not.

If it's actually about following the Word, then yes

Oh so only Christians that follow a literal interpretation of the Bible are better off? I'll alert my friends of other faiths to switch now before their lives blow up...

[urbanlemur]

Hmmmm. I have to say that I am far better off in my marriage because of my spiritual walk with the Lord than I would be without it.

[brittZ]

I have to say that I agree. Everything I am and have comes from the grace of God. That makes my life pretty darn good.

[Dingler]

While I am not really that religious myself, I believe the studies. If the person follows the Bibles view of living.. life will be better. It seems so logical to me.

[mams1559]

Some of you may be surprised by my response....I don't completely agree.

My home life growing up was Christian. My mother was born-again/saved. My dad was an alcoholic. My older siblings and I strayed for quite awhile and dabbled in things we ought not to have dabbled before we even hit our late teens. (we've all settled down now and have come back to the correct path).

I tend to want to see more info, also. It is statistically shown that just as many marriages identified as Christian end in divorce as those who don't identify as Christian. I know of a pastor's son who was addicted to drugs.

I obviously agree that if you follow the Bible and it's teachings, things should go much smoother and IMHO you should be happier, healthier, etc. But we were not promised a bed of roses for being Christian. We were told that we would have to suffer and endure trials.

Pesonally, I believe my family (me, wife & kids) are much happier and content because we follow Jesus and have Jesus as our personal savior. But we too have struggles now and again.

[MontanaGuy]

Dingler wrote:

I believe the studies.

But again I'm wondering, what particular study are you referring to?

[aiangel_writer]

Well, I can say that everyone has problems. My son was brought up in a Christian household, and went to church. After he graduated, he went wild, and sowed his oats. He is in rehab now, and doing much better, and it is a Christian rehab. Problems exist for each one of us, and I do believe it is how we handle these problems that might be the difference.

When Christians have problems, they take them to the feet of Jesus, and ask for forgiveness and help from Him. When non christians or should I say people who do not believe in God have problems, they have no one to turn to and tackle the problem on their own. We as Christians have been taught that we can do nothing without Jesus, and all things are possible with Him.

So maybe it is the way we handle problems differently than secular households. Now, don't jump on me here. I do not think that all secular homes have problems, ok, and that they do not handle their problems well, I am sure there are some that do. I am just trying to figure out if this could be what the article is referring to.

Believe me, if it were not for my faith, I don't know what I would have done when my son moved out and started to live such a lifestyle. My brothers and sisters in Christ have been so supportive and have vigilanty been praying for him and for my whole family. Knowing I have that type of love and support helps me to be more calm and not so depressed which in turn leaves me more able to manage and interact with my husband and young son and extended family. Without Christ, who knows where I would have ended up?

Then again, the households where parents are on drugs and have all types of druggie people who stay in and out of their homes would also be considered a bad environment and give children a warped view of family life and the cycle would continue. Especially if there is violence in the home, or sexual predators.

[Art R]

Originally Posted by Dingler

According to what I have read there is a direct link between being religious, going to church and being happy. There is also a link between going to Church and not having social and personal problems. (such as drug and alcohol abuse, premarital sex, personality disorders, divorce, problems with marriages, career problems, etc.)

Studies have shown that people who are religious just do better in society and are better adjusted to our world. So, do you believe these studies?

How do you explain that western Europe, far less religious than the USA has far less problems than the USA? Europe leads the USA in almost all indicators of a "good life".

[nvxplorer]

Here's a link that shows the opposite regarding divorce.

U.S. divorce rates: for various faith groups, age groups and geographical areas

snippet:

Variation in Divorce Rates by Religion:

Jews 30%
Born Again Christians 27%
Other Christians 24%
Atheists, Agnostics 21%