Religion sells as a social act

Scientists have revealed the secret ingredient in religion that makes people happier.

Scientists have revealed the secret ingredient in religion that makes people happier.

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“Our study offers compelling evidence that it is the social aspects of religion rather than theology or spirituality that leads to life satisfaction,” said Chaeyoon Lim, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and lead author.

“In particular, we find that friendships built in religious congregations are the secret ingredient in religion that makes people happier,” Lim said.

Lim said that the evidence substantiates that it is not really going to church and listening to sermons or praying that makes people happier, but making church-based friends and building intimate social networks there.