Being a member of an organized religion
offers several benefits. Some are intangible, while others have been proven by the medical
community and scientists to be favorable to physical, emotional, and mental health. The most
obvious is the social benefits derived from membership in organized religion. Most religions
encourage members to fellowship or to meet regularly in and out of religious services. Members
can make connections resulting in long-lasting relationships and friendships. Social contacts
made lead to business referrals or assistance in finding new employment. The financial aspects
of being part of a religion cannot be underemphasized.
A study by Harvard
Business School concluded religious affiliation resulted in benefits to improving health and an
increase in longevity as compared with non-religious people. Religious affiliation seemed to
improve the overall mental attitude of members resulting in a more positive feeling about the
future as well as improved self-esteem. These findings were substantiated by the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), who also reported lower levels of stress and an increase in
feelings of self-empowerment.
Here is an offbeat benefit you wouldnt expect
reported by Live Science. Apparently, being affiliated with a religion helps you resist junk
food and is tied to lowering your blood pressure! Live Science compiled their list from research
done by other health institutes. These findings are pretty consistent across several platforms
and several research studies.
Finally, and probably the best reason to
affiliate with religion, is most religions engage in a significant amount of charitable work.
There is no higher calling than to serve others. The benefit derived from helping someone less
fortunate provides purpose and meaning to life. These are just a few of the positive benefits of
religion or spirituality.
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