Researcher Proves Religion Is Good for People

by   Marv Knox                                                                                                                                                Vol. VI, No. 2, March 1993

[Reprinted from the Western Recorder, 1 December 1992]

Medical researcher David Larson has stepped forward with scientific evidence to back up a fact people of faith have known all along: Religion is good for you.

Larson, a Christian, was a researcher for the National Institute of Mental Health for 10 years. Now he is a senior research consultant for the National Institute for Healthcare Research. He discussed his findings in an interview published in the November 23 issue of Christianity Today.

"Men who went to church and liked it had much lower blood pressure than men who didn't go to church and didn't care about religion," Larson reported. Contrary to conventional wisdom, he also discovered that secular scientific research has proven religion to be beneficial in more than 80 percent of cases studied.

Larson brings a scientific, documented perspective to the discussion of psychology and religion. He's demonstrated truths known by anyone who has listened - really listened - to the life stories of church-going people. Ministers who have made the rounds of hospitals, funeral parlors, and parishioners' homes could provide him with volume upon volume of case studies.

Of course devout people get sick. But the eyes and ears of faith tell us religious belief and involvement provide us with an added dimension which strengthens, rather than erodes, personal health.

Larson cited several possible by-products of religion in people's lives. "Church attendance, prayer, and the social support available in church were frequently found to be significant positive factors...," he said. "We've observed empirically that if people are experiencing a crisis, faith in God promotes their ability to cope. ... Religion also appears to prevent problems."

Religion has a "naturally protective effect" upon people of faith, Larson explained. For example, the life-style of people of faith often avoids behaviors – such as drug and alcohol abuse – that harm health. And the admonition to take care of the "temple of God" leads to positive behaviors, such as prayer, rest, and exercise.

Admitting some religious people also exhibit unhealthy behavior – such as alcoholism and drug addiction – Larson offered a logical answer backed by research: "Early life disjunction between belief and practice appears to be a central factor. That is, parents who do not practice what they preach."

"Disjunction between belief and practice" explains myriad illnesses among children of people who profess rigid religious beliefs but whose actions are not consistent with those beliefs. It also provides answers into the illnesses of individuals whose own religious beliefs and daily practices are out of sync. “A disjunction between belief and practice can make people sick, emotionally and physically," Larson said.

However, a direct correlation exists between religious faith and happiness in life, work, marriage and family, he added, noting, "Religiously committed people on the whole enjoy living. "This report from medical research provides a new impetus for our evangelistic/outreach efforts. We have been convinced that a saving relationship with Jesus Christ is the eternal cure for the human soul. But now we have concrete evidence that a faith relationship with Christ and other believers benefits the human body.

Now, we have yet another reason to say to our neighbor, "Come to church; it's good for you. "

[Editor's Note: "Scientific" evidence impresses the unsaved world and is gratifying confirmation for Christians of what we already know: God's Word is true. On the above subject you will recall Psalm 91:9 & 16 "Because thou hast made the Lord ... thy habitation; ... With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Proverbs 3:12 "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee." And Isaiah 65:22 "...for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." TCP]