Introduction
It’s a question that has been asked by many, but few have the answer. In this post, I will attempt to explain what makes a religious individual different from their non-religious counterparts.
Religious people have a more positive outlook on life.
Religious people are more likely to feel that they have control over their lives, and they tend to be happier with the direction of their lives. They may also have a greater sense of hope and optimism about their futures, as well as feeling like they’re making a difference in the world around them.
Religious people also tend to enjoy being around others who share similar beliefs. For example, if you go out for dinner on Friday night with friends who don’t believe in God but do believe in doing good things for others (like volunteering at soup kitchens), then there will probably be some awkward moments when someone tries too hard to make conversation about how much fun it was last time their team won an NCAA tournament game or something equally irrelevant—but if these same friends all happen on different occasions throughout the week (such as Saturday mornings after yoga classes), then those conversations could flow naturally because everyone knows each other’s interests already!
Religious people are more likely than others to say they are very happy.
Religious people are more likely than others to say they are very happy, according to the Pew Research Center. While this may be true for all religions, it seems that religious people could have a stronger sense of purpose and meaning in life than their secular counterparts. According to a study by Gallup called “The Role of Religion in Happiness & Wellbeing,” those who identify as religious and often visit model christian church tend to be more satisfied with their lives than those who don’t identify with any particular religion or no religion at all.
In addition to happiness and purposeful lives, studies show that there may be some other benefits associated with being religious:
- People who are religious experience less stress than those without such beliefs; this is due largely because they feel better equipped to cope with problems encountered during their day-to-day lives (such as financial issues).
- Those who practice organized religion often enjoy lower rates of depression than non-practitioners do when faced with similar situations (this holds true even though both groups often deal with similar types of psychological distress).
Religious people get more sleep.
Religious people are more likely to get 8 hours of sleep.
In a study of 4,000 American adults, researchers found that religious people were more likely than non-religious people to have 8 or more hours of sleep each night. They also had less trouble turning their lights off at night and getting into bed and staying asleep.
Religious individuals also tend to be less prone to insomnia than their nonreligious peers.
Religious people have higher self-esteem and make more money.
- Religious people are more likely to be employed.
- Religious people are less likely to be unemployed.
- Religious people are more likely to be self-employed.
- Religious people make more money than non-religious people, even when controlling for education level and race/ethnicity (see this study).
Religious people are more generous givers.
According to a recent study by the Center for Generosity, religious individuals give an average of 25% more than those who aren’t religious. This can be attributed to beliefs such as “God helps those who help themselves” and “God will provide.”
The study also found that “religious people are likely to donate blood at higher rates than non-religious individuals,” and they’re more likely than others to volunteer their time at local charities and organizations.
Religious people are less likely to be divorced or cohabiting than others.
- Religious people are more likely to be married.
- They’re also less likely to divorce.
- They’re also more likely to stay married and faithful, not just during their marriage but afterward as well, compared with nonreligious individuals who experience an increase in separation from their spouse after a divorce or separation from another partner (for example, living together).
- Religious individuals are less likely than others who live in the same country-or even those in other countries-to marry late in life or never marry at all. In fact, only about 20% of religious people aged 45+ have never been married; about 40% have been widowed by age 60; and roughly 15% have never been widowed!
Studies show that religous individuals tend to enjoy life in many different ways
- Religious people are happier.
- Religious people have more self-esteem.
- Studies show that religious individuals tend to enjoy life in many different ways, including making more money and being more likely to marry and less likely to divorce.
- They also give more money than non-religious people do (about 10% more).
Conclusion
But religious people aren’t the only ones who have been shown to be happier and more satisfied with life. People who are living in accordance with their personal values, such as those who eat organic or recycle, are also happier than non-conscientious people. Choosing an activity that you enjoy doing can be beneficial both physically and mentally, and many people choose religion because of how it brings them joy.
