When I was completing my graduate degree I heard concerns of faith crisis across denominational lines. These were mentioned by professors, classmates, lectures, and in reading material. The timing fascinated me as faith had often been marginalized by institutions of higher learning. However, the importance of religion and spirituality was now being heralded,-- just as attendance and participation in worship was waning.The research for staying -- or becoming involved for the first time, is impressive. Tyler VanderWeele (Harvard) found that for those who have regular attendance at religious services experience:
A near 30% reduction in mortality over 16 years of follow up
A five fold reduction in the likelihood of suicide
A 30% reduction in the incidence of depression
For youth, studies by Dr. Lisa Miller at Columbia University, report that children who have a positive active relationship to spirituality are:
40% less likely to use and abuse substances
60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers
80% less likely to have unprotected sex
More likely to have markers for academic success
For all involved, the community found in Worship Services pays big dividends:
There is expansion of of one's social network
Greater likelihood of healthy social relationships
A higher satisfaction with life
Greater stability in marriage
More charitable giving, volunteering, and civil engagement
This research was clear. Across the board, those who participated in regular worship benefited from doing so. Perhaps it's just the chaplain in me, but I call those benefits, blessings.
