Welcome back to my blog! In recent posts, we have been exploring the exciting topic of how Biblical truth enhances personal wellbeing. We’ve discussed research performed by Teleios through a series of surveys of healthy individuals and ophthalmology patients, as well as a review article regarding religion in the medically ill.
Christianity can have a positive impact on wellbeing, both mentally and physically. It can contribute to overall wellbeing by providing a sense of purpose, community support, and effective coping strategies.
Today, we explore another medical literature review we conducted regarding the effect of religion on well-being in the general population. See full report here https://teleiosresearch.com/the-effect-of-religion-on-individual-wellbeing/). 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 to 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 to 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.
What are some specific parameters that can enhance wellbeing? Read here… https://teleiosresearch.com/the-source-and-impact-of-specific-parameters-that-enhance-wellbeing/
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I look forward to seeing you again next week.
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.
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