Is Church Good For You?

Is Church Good For You? Maybe more than you think.

A University of California study reports that people who attend religious services once a week have significantly lower risks of death compared with those who attend less frequently or never, even after adjusting for age, health behaviours and other risk factors. The report concludes by saying that, "The picture that is developing is that religious activity is affecting health... it seems clear that the effects of faith deserve more study."

And a little closer to home, the University of Miami here in Florida has conducted research proving that HIV patients who view God as a positive force (benevolent/forgiving) have better recovery rates than those who view God as a negative force (harsh/judgmental/punishing).

I love church and always feel better when I'm there and healthier when I leave. And that's not unusual. Americans are great believers in a higher power. A recent Pew Religious Survey showed that 92% of us believe in a higher power and about one-third of us have experienced or witnessed a divine healing of an illness or injury.

There are lots of churches and synagogues to choose from here in Clearwater. A recent count on www.churches-in.com puts the number at well over 60. It's hard to go more than a few blocks without passing a church or synagogue. I often enjoy signs on church lawns encouraging or challenging religious thought. A few recent examples: "Sign Broken... Message Inside" and "You're not too bad to come in. You're not too good to stay out."

So while scientists are busy researching the relationship between church and health, why not conduct your own experiment? Find a church, get involved and see for yourself.