SOCIAL IMPRESSIONS

Evolutionary biologist, David Sloan Wilson of University of Binghamton, believes that religion can have an impact on a person’s health. He sees a direct correlation between belief and happiness, productivity, and mood. For religious believers, it appears that a higher being is ingrained in their minds and eases the challenges in dealing with times of despair, disappointment, and agony. Richard Ross, University of Connecticut anthropologist, added that religion also has social benefits. It unites people and encourages them to work together and share. It provides them with a strong support system that enables them to face adversity together as a group.

Having said that, is the idea of people being happier simply due to their faith really plausible? In a Christian Science Monitor article, What place for God in Europe, it noted that a large number of Europeans are secular, and that is only increasing. According to a recent European Values Study, 21 percent of Europeans note that religion is “very important” to them. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public life found that 59 percent of Americans refer to their religion in the same manner. That is twice the number indicated in the European study. According to Wilson’s claim, one could conclude that Americans should be much happier than their European counterparts.

Organized beliefs and practices seem to provide people with a peace of mind. When a person prays for resolution to a problem, it can seem as though their burden has been transferred to a higher power. The “let go and let God” approach can ease worries, but does not stop them completely. Looking to a source outside oneself can also help feelings of loneliness subside.

When examining the fellowship aspect of Ross’ argument, it makes sense. However, a person can receive the same type of unity from one’s own personal network of friends, both social and professional. One can find similar comfort and trust in groups that are not within the same denomination or even the slightest bit religious at all.

I agree that religion does provide for a sense of inner-peace and happiness, but I don’t think more religious populations are automatically “happier” than less religious ones. There are many other factors that contribute to a person’s happiness.