Q: Is there any biological proof that religion can influence us physically?
A: Yes. Scientists have located the portion of the human brain devoted to religion. While the brain does reserve a portion of its functioning for religious experiences, it does not preclude the existence of God, but it does mean that religious faith works to our welfare as social creatures. See this article.
Q: Does religion help meet the goals of public health?
A: Yes. Religion has been shown to increase life expectancy. One of the main goals of public health is to increase the number of years of healthy living we experience.
Q: Many people who suffer from schizophrenia have religiously-based alter-egos. Why is that?
A: Religion is an important part of many peoples’ lives. It is logical that someone suffering from a mental illness would default to something that has intrinsic value to them. For example, many people that suffer from such illnesses often believe they are famous athletes, celebrities, or deities.
Q: Are religious health codes actually beneficial or do they just limit us?
A: While many religions have health codes requiring certain measures to be taken by their adherents, not all parts of these codes have been proven beneficial by science. However, as time goes by there tends to be more and more agreement between religion and science in this regard.
Q: Do social interactions relate directly to health?
A: Studies show that having a more active social life does, in fact, contribute to a longer life.
Q: What about that study that shows that people who value religion have lower IQ’s that those who don’t?
A: Evidence shows that that study reflects a correlation between income level as well. This undermines the likelihood that religious observance is a sign of inferior intelligence.
Q: Do I actually have to go to church or is being spiritual enough to increase my life expectancy?
A: Studies show that church goers on average live 2-3 years longer than those who don’t go.
Q: Are some religions more beneficial to health than others?
A: Studies are not available to answer this question. Since there are variations in religious health codes, it is possible that there is a difference in the benefits provided.
Q: What religions have health codes and what are they?
A: Check this website out. It answers this question in detail.
Q: Does marriage really improve health? It seems like it would be more stressful.
A: Marriage alleviates many of the indicators of future health problems, such as blood pressure, stress levels, and even immune system strength. These results are found in good marriages, so if your marriage is suffering then yes, it may cause more stress and negative health effects.
