Does religious faith make people healthier and happier?

Authors

Natascha Klocker, University of WollongongFollow
Brigid Trenerry, University of Western Sydney
Kim Webster, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

RIS ID

92119

Publication Details

Klocker, N., Trenerry, B. & Webster, K. (2011). Does religious faith make people healthier and happier?. The Conversation, 28 December 1-3.

Link to publisher version (URL)

http://theconversation.com

Abstract

As immigrants from around the world have joined Australia’s cultural mix, an inevitable rise in religious diversity has followed. But has this made for a healthier society? A recent VicHealth study showed that while religion can protect against illness, religious discrimination can harm health. This has led to a renewed call to embrace and respect religious diversity.