Today
we explore another medical literature review that we developed last year regarding
the effect of religion upon wellbeing in the general population (internal data).
Most all the studies we reviewed evaluated members of the Christian faith.
Our review
showed a positive effect on wellbeing from religion in the lives of healthy people
who were: > 10 years old, both genders, and either African-American or Caucasian.
Religion
improved general wellbeing and also in specific measures such as:
· sense of
community
· purpose
· satisfaction
· hope
· social
relationships
· ability to
forgive
Even more, the findings
indicated that the measures typically used to adhere and grow in religious
faith also increased wellbeing including:
· fellowship with
other believers
· scripture study
· prayer
· praise
· outreach in the
local community
Additionally,
increased adherence to one’s faith gave even greater benefits on wellbeing!
What does this
mean practically? This review helps us recognize that religion, and in this
case Christianity specifically, may enhance personal wellbeing generally but its
benefit also extends to specific areas of life such as career satisfaction,
marriage, family functioning, and socialization.
Why would
Christianity provide an improved wellbeing? We don’t know of any studies about
this but here’s what we speculate.
First, on a spiritual level the confidence
of God’s acceptance through faith in the sacrifice of Christ helps remove guilt
and insecurity about a person’s relationship with God. The importance of such
confidence was indicated in several studies noting that medically ill patients
who have a negative, insecure relationship with God suffer with worse wellbeing.
Second, in practical daily life the Christian
scriptures provide advice on wise living in regards to family life, career,
ethical choices, treatment of people in terms of mental mindset and speech
(i.e., forgiveness, thankfulness, etc.). The benefits stemming from this advice
can be gained by adherence to Biblical principles causing maturity (fellowship with
other believers, prayer, praise, service and a Biblical learning process).
Our review demonstrated
that religion, and Christianity in particular, may provide enhanced general wellbeing
across various age and ethnic groups and specifically in family and social
relationships as well as career. More research is needed, however, comparing
wellbeing to other religions and among cultures.
To consider…would the benefit observed
in our review and surveys on wellbeing be observed with other religions?
Thanks for visiting. I look forward to
your comments and questions.
WC Stewart
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