Abstract Measures of religiosity are linked to health outcomes, possibly indicating mediating effects of associated psychological and social factors. We examined cross-sectional data from 92,539 postmenopausal participants of the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study who responded to questions on religious service attendance, psychological characteristics, and social support domains. We present odds ratios from multiple logistic regressions controlling for covariates. Women attending services weekly during the past month, compared with those not attending at all in the past month, were less likely to be depressed [OR = 0.78; CI = 0.74–0.83] or characterized by cynical hostility [OR = 0.94; CI = 0.90–0.98], and more likely to be optimistic [OR = 1.22; CI = 1.17–1.26]. They were also more likely to report overall positive social support [OR = 1.28; CI = 1.24–1.33], as well as social support of four subtypes (emotional/informational support, affection support, tangible support, and positive social interaction), and were less likely to report social strain [OR = 0.91; CI = 0.88–0.94]. However, those attending more or less than weekly were not less likely to be characterized by cynical hostility, nor were they less likely to report social strain, compared to those not attending during the past month. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-11-religious-depression.html
No doubt that social situations make a difference in people's lives, and religion can play a part in that. But how did they separate the religion from the social part in this study? And, even if they found it was the actual belief in god that made people live longer, how do you make yourself believe in something you don't believe in?
How can you be so positive not to believe in anything . Do you believe that you will reach your destiny when you go on an airplane ?
What you have said is a relevant point, and one that was answered in the New Testament somewhere (google it if you must know) where a person asked Jesus the same sort of question. What was the answer he gave? a blog on the very topic "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! My favorite verse in the Bible is Mark 9:24, which ends with the phrase, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" That pretty well sums up my spiritual journey. This blog is for recording my thoughts, ideas, insights, struggles, battles, blessings, stumblings, hopes and victories on my road to salvation. Oh, and just random life stuff, too" http://lordibelievehelpmyunbelief.blogspot.com/ It seems the very act of asking the question starts off the answer.
http://www2b.abc.net.au/science/k2/stn/newposts/5290/topic5290549.shtm you get better fed in australia arauca. ;-)
'Eat your heart out'? Meh. Excuse me while I fart. I don't think a tiny bit of extra health is worth forcing myself to believe in Invisible Dude in the Sky.
I think this study actually boils down to people are moving away slowly from social group interactions. The brain isn't good at fixing itself without having something to compare itself with. This is how Neural Network programs work, they use incoming useful comparisons, and take note of how to improve from outside information. We are a communal race of beings that started life in caves, moved into groups, and small villages, and now live miles apart from our families. When you change evolution like this you force the brain to self-examine. So long as you have no psychological problems, you can self-examine just fine, but a hint of a disorder like depression arising, and then self analysing that depression is an inward spiral that can run out of control. It would be a good idea to bring back communal living environments on a large scale basis. It is a measure that should be taken seriously. It should cut down on crime, and should make the human race better organized, and more caring. It's not God that is being applied, it is communal care.
Are you participating here to become civilized ? I see you have not grown up , do you think people are if individual post on other forums ? Grow up.
You can stink up your place , I don't care, beside this is just a particular study , thanks for stopping by
Therefor people should join Scientology and pray to Xenu the Intergalactic Overlord? I'll take my chances without thank you very much! It should be noted, it's not possible to WILL yourself into becoming a genuine Theobot. You can't make yourself believe in Xenu. This suggests that perhaps there's something else about being a Theobot (maybe genetic) that ultimately accounts for any perceived health benefits (if indeed they do exist). That's the thing about correlations.
Religion is based on community , Is atheism based on community or individualism ? If I take your second paragraph into prospective , knowing religion is a communal life , then the society will be better off been religious then nonreligious or atheist ?
Society would be better off becoming more communal. I think that religion is a tiny mental instability that some people accept. If you really want clear thinking, then you also have to remove the religion as well. Otherwise, you are just saying that religion is more acceptable than depression.
I disagree with your opinion of mental instability . Would you say are there more people attending churches then attending bar and drinking alcoholic beverage . Why people attend bars is it not to socialize ? Would you say there are more people meanness to the society attending churches or patrons of bars ? and so on
Alcohol messes up the mind, so I don't think it's a good idea for you to compare people with messed up minds, and at the same time disagree with my quote. If you have to come up with an argument, you will have to use an argument where there are not people meeting up with their minds out of whack. I am just as much against bars, as I am against religion.
You can live in a commune, and that is something that I would like to make more common.. or even the norm. Change streets into small communes.
