Welcome back to my blog. Thank you for taking time to read it.
We are starting a new series on the exciting research findings from Teleios! Last week we discussed the reasons for our passion at Teleios to explore the veracity of scripture. Today let us set off on a journey to discover the actual scientific data about how the Bible helps us. It is amazing! Our first topic is perhaps the most vital: that Bible-based Christianity generally improves wellbeing. These data come from two main sources.
- Teleios - We have found through surveys and prospective studies that Christianity actually helps wellbeing both generally and for specific health measures. We will discuss these findings next week.
- The medical literature – Peer-reviewed scientific studies support improved wellbeing with Christianity! As we began our research at Teleios this was a surprise to us. We found many studies indicating wellbeing was improved by the practice of religion. Importantly, almost all these medical studies were performed in historically Christian countries. This indicates that most all the patients in the studies would have been either social or believing Christians. Many of these studies can be seen in our published papers available on our website - Bible Benefits. Otherwise, you can conduct your own search of medical literature at Pubmed.
So, let’s examine the medical literature. The findings are impressive and have shown that wellbeing is improved with religion in:
- Demographics - All age groups (10 years and older), both genders, and African American as well as Caucasian races.
- Broad wellbeing effect - Specific wellbeing related measures such as sense of purpose, satisfaction, hope, stronger social relationships, and ability to forgive.
- Social measures - Vital areas of life such as the family, career, a sense of community and socialization.
- Physical health – Healthy and patient populations. Specific diseases include glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, various cancers, chronic pain, fatigue, diabetes, diabetic eye disease, congestive heart failure, and HIV.
Religion has shown very few negative effects on wellbeing. Most commonly these have been related to the limited expression of one's faith to either internal or external religious activities alone or to those who have an adversarial relationship with God. The latter type of person might be one who does not understand grace as a means to salvation, instead working to try to satisfy God.
Indeed, it is striking to see that so many researchers have found, through scientific studies, the benefit of religion on wellbeing in Christian countries. These data are extensive and consistent enough that perhaps no other proof is needed from a scientific standpoint. We have a great God who has benefited us with salvation through Christ by grace and provided scripture that through the power of the Holy Spirit we can live useful and joyful lives.
Join us again next week as we look at evidence from Teleios’ efforts demonstrating Christianity can improve wellbeing.
William C. Stewart, MD
Email – info@teleiosresearch.com
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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and/or do your own research into the scriptures.
