By 
70% of Americans are Christians, 5% identify with another religion, and 23% are religiously unaffiliated. This may seem like a downturn to some, but it reveals that faith is still an important part of the modern world.
What many don’t realize is the benefits that having faith can provide. They include everything from being part of a supportive community to improved mental health.
Read on to learn the social and psychological benefits of religion.
Social Benefits of Religion
One of the major social benefits of faith is that it creates a shared community and sense of belonging. A religious building can also be a community center where everyone in a town comes together.
Becoming part of a community through religion also encourages the faithful to go out and participate in it. One study found that 58% of the actively religious participants volunteered in a non-religious organization such as a charity or sports club while only 39% of the religiously unaffiliated do.
Almost all religious leaders teach about the “golden rule” of treating others as you’d like to be treated. They also focus on other important lessons such as forgiveness, justice, and accepting others who are outside the faith.
Taking all of these factors shows how religion benefits the world as much as the individuals who practice it. It creates large groups of people who’ve learned to help each other and treat everyone better.
Psychological Benefits of Religion
The ways that faith benefits the mind depend on how individuals view the higher powers they believe in. Most studies suggest that it’s more positive if you see it as loving and protective This creates a positive connection and reduces stress. It even lowers the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Other psychological benefits are related to the actual practice of the religion. It involves rituals, such as scheduled holidays, prayer times, and days of rest. They give structure to life and help you know what to expect in an often crazy, unpredictable world.
Religion is also connected to spirituality, a sense of connection to a larger force than yourself. This gives life meaning and encourages healthy habits such as meditation. The power of faith also elicits emotions that can only be expressed through art and songs.
If you’re still wondering, “why practice faith,” start small and watch church online and see how it can benefit you.
More Spiritual Facts and Guides
Religion has always been an important part of every culture, but it’s more than an obligation that you follow because of where you grow up. It’s also a matter of faith that can improve your life in more ways than you may think.
The benefits of religion start with the sense of community and connection you get from attending services and being a part of your community. They then extend to the mind by adding structure to your life and making you feel like part of something more than yourself.
Read the rest of our content to learn more about what spirituality and faith can do for you.
Comments