Religious people much happier and have more 'life satisfaction' than others, according to a new stud

[wvwvw]

Religious people much happier and have more 'life satisfaction' than others, according to a new study
A recent study by the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture found that a strong correlation exists between religious affiliation and personal happiness
45 percent of people who attend a religious service weekly say they are 'very happy,' while only 28 percent of those who 'never' attend said the same
Similar studies have found that people with faith have higher levels of 'life satisfaction' and are better able to cope with difficult situations
By CHARLENE ADAMS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:19 EST, 25 December 2014 | UPDATED: 09:41 EST, 25 December 2014

Does religious affiliation contribute to happiness?

A recent study by the Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture found that a strong correlation exists between religious affiliation and personal happiness.

The institute surveyed a sample of 15,738 Americans between the ages of 18 and 60, according to the Breitbart News Network.
Of the more than 15,000 sampled, 45 percent of those who attend a religious service on a weekly basis described themselves as 'very happy,' while only 28 percent of those who said they 'never' attend said the same...

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz3MvbgEbcM

[wvwvw]

Are you religious?

The only time I attend Church is during Easter and that barely. You can say I am spiritual but not religious.

[Odin]

[Loki]

This is absolutely true!

As someone who has lived considerable times both religious/spiritual/in contact with God, and without it, I know the difference very well. I will even go so far as to say that people who are not Christian, do not know the true meaning of joy. And yes, not all religions can give you this inner joy and contentment, only the Christian faith does.

There may be some other people who claim to be happy or content, but truly it is not at the same level as the inner contentment that comes with knowing Jesus.

It is very important to point out that this Christian joy and contentment is experienced regardless of outward circumstances, and regardless of physical wealth. A poor Christian who knows Jesus has much more joy than a billionaire who doesn't know Jesus! And it follows that this rich internal joy and contentment is something that money cannot buy... no money in the world can buy that!

Another point worth mentioning is that people who are not Christian, cannot really understand the joy that Christians talk about. And, quite often, try to rationalise it or make some excuses for it, especially trying to belittle it or trash it. That is partly due to the fact that they cannot understand this, or cannot believe how this could be. And, unfortunately partly due to jealousy.

But rather than being jealous of the joy of Christians, why not join them in submitting your life to Jesus, and be born again of the Spirit of God? Then you can have that joy for yourself too, regardless of your life circumstances... rich or poor, black or white, etc etc doesn't make any difference.

[JamesBond007]

[Loki]

I cannot imagine how miserable the lives of guys like these are... who don't know the love and peace of God. No joy.... wow. Well, actually, I knew it for a part of my life. And, now knowing the vast difference that knowing Jesus can make, I never want to live without him again! Knowing God is having joy in your life... joy in abundance! Inner joy and fulfillment. There is nothing that comes even close, and yes... living without Jesus is incredibly sad and dull and pointless in comparison.