Articles tagged with Religion
Biologist Dr Aldemaro Romero Jr explores how major religions have influenced evolutionists and their scientific thinking over the centuries. He challenges notions of predetermination and linearity in evolutionary theory by highlighting the importance of considering philosophical baggage in research conclusions.
Research suggests that the brain's neural networks are at play when considering scientific evidence versus faith-based beliefs. Studies found that people with stronger empathetic connections tend to be more religious, while analytic thinking discourages acceptance of spiritual or religious beliefs.
A recent study found that the percentage of Americans who prayed or believed in God reached an all-time low in 2014. The decline was particularly pronounced among young adults, with nearly twice as many saying they did not believe in God as compared to the early 1980s.
Researchers found that thinking about how life might be worse if an event hadn't occurred led to increased faith and a stronger belief in God. This suggests that counterfactual thinking can play a role in shaping religious convictions, even for those who do not believe in a deity.
A Baylor University study found that people with an inner sense of attachment to God are more emotionally committed to their workplace and satisfied with their jobs. This attachment is linked to higher levels of job commitment, satisfaction, lower absenteeism, and conflict, as well as stronger coping skills.
A new study suggests that caregivers providing substantial health care assistance experience emotional, physical and financial challenges. The study highlights the importance of supporting family caregivers who provide most assistance with everyday activities.
A new study by Lauren Davenport found that daughters of interracial parents are more likely to identify as multiracial than sons. The study also reveals that religion and socioeconomic status play a significant role in how biracials self-identify, with women being more likely to identify as multiracial than men.
Research finds that thinking from God's perspective decreases biased valuation of non-believers' lives by almost 30%. This contradicts common assumptions about faith leading to violence. The study, published in PNAS, explores how Palestinian youth made moral choices from their own perspectives and Allah's perspective.
A new study published in Current Anthropology found that religion often created strong ties within communities, impeding the creation of state institutions. In contrast, elites in other regions used their religious roles to mediate between their communities and gods, leading to conflict with traditional leaders.
A global survey of 9,422 scientists across eight regions found that more than half identify as religious, challenging the notion that scientists are atheists. The study also showed that scientists generally view science and religion as compatible, with 25% believing they can coexist and help each other.
The SAGE Journal will begin publishing the International Bulletin of Mission Research in partnership with The Overseas Ministries Study Center. The journal provides in-depth analyses of worldwide Christianity and mission-focused book reviews. IBMR is an unparalleled source of information on the world church in mission.
A new study suggests that many Europeans experience despondent and stressed feelings during the pre-Christmas period, but Christians, particularly those with high religious affiliation, tend to be more positive and content. Higher education levels and family presence also help individuals cope with the holiday stress.
Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found no significant link between frequent sex and happiness after one sexual encounter per week. Instead, maintaining an intimate connection with a partner is key to overall happiness.
A new treatment approach, CIT-S, combines family therapy with culturally-based practices to reduce caregiver burden and shame. The study found that CIT-S was effective in improving caregivers' quality of life and reducing psychiatric symptoms.
Researchers found that directing magnetic energy into the brain reduced belief in God by 32.8% and increased positive feelings towards immigrants by 28.5%. The study used transcranial magnetic stimulation to temporarily shut down specific brain regions.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards to six researchers for their groundbreaking work on aging and life course development. Bengtson, Harris, Putney, Sabbath, Mejia-Guevara, Glymour, and Berkman were recognized for their insightful publications that represent state-of-the-ar...
A study of nearly a million tweets found that liberals use more emotionally expressive language, while conservatives talk about religion. The research suggests that online networks can provide valuable data to understand people's psychological characteristics and behavior.
University of Cincinnati researchers have developed a new method to measure the influence of Biblical interpretation on political attitudes, providing more nuanced insights into religion's impact on politics. The study found that respondents' opinions about biblical error were the strongest predictor of political conservatism.
A study analyzed 249 audio-recorded conversations between surrogate decision-makers and healthcare professionals, finding that religious or spiritual considerations were discussed in 40 cases, mostly initiated by surrogates. The discussions focused on beliefs, practices, community, miracles, and the end-of-life as a new beginning.
A new national study by Baylor University researchers found little evidence that multiracial congregations promote progressive racial views among attendees of any race or ethnicity. Instead, minority attendees often adopt the dominant white racial frames, leading to a loss of distinct perspectives on racial inequality.
Research reveals that spiritual beliefs are significantly associated with better physical health, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved social roles in cancer patients. Emotional aspects of religion and spirituality have the strongest links to positive mental and social outcomes.
A Baylor University study found that counties in the US with more beautiful weather and scenery have lower rates of membership and affiliation with religious organizations. The research suggests that natural amenities can serve as conduits to the sacred, competing with traditional religious congregations.
Research from Rice University and West Virginia University found that reading about scientist Francis Collins promotes a collaborative view of religion and science. In contrast, reading about Richard Dawkins had no impact on public perception.
A study of 11.2 million US adolescents over 50 years found that millennials have lower religious involvement than previous generations, due to cultural change rather than youth-related factors. This trend is part of a larger cultural context of rising individualism in the US.
The University of the Pacific has been awarded a $192,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to digitize Coptic texts. This two-year project, called KELLIA, is an international collaboration between US universities and German institutions.
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that inducing a sense of awe can promote altruistic, helpful, and positive social behavior. Awe diminishes emphasis on individual self, encouraging people to prioritize others' welfare.
Polymer chemist Kazunori Kataoka and theologian Kwok Pui Lan receive the Gutenberg Research Award for their pioneering work on polymer-based nano-carriers for cancer therapy and post-colonial feminist theology. Their research has significantly advanced theoretical research in these fields and contributed to practical applications.
A study recreated from a 1938 survey found that people's perception of what brings happiness has changed over time. Security, knowledge, and religion were once considered key factors, but today good humour and leisure are ranked first and second respectively.
A study by Umea University found that stroke patients have a double risk of attempted suicide compared to the general population. The risk is highest among those under 55 years old and those with low education or income.
Non-religious participants associated religious individuals with less openness and devalued them as romantic partners. Religious individuals were preferred by others who shared similar values, highlighting the role of perceived open-mindedness in religion-based dating.
Research suggests that people are willing to take risks because they believe God will protect them from negative outcomes. The study found that participants who were reminded of God were more likely to engage in nonmoral risky behaviors, such as skydiving, and perceived less danger in these activities.
A study by Joshua Grubbs and Julie Exline found that individuals who attribute their bad behavior to being born in this way are more prone to feelings of anger towards God. This can lead to depression, conflict with deity, and poor recovery from illness.
College women who have been sexually victimized often struggle to trust others, but participating in religious activities can mitigate this effect. Research found that regular church attendance and involvement in a religious social network are associated with increased trust.
A survey of nearly 1,600 individuals found that the majority were willing to donate tissue samples and medical information to a biobank. The researchers suggest that an adequate approach for dealing with donors' moral concerns may lie between blanket consent and specific consent.
A recent study by LSU sociology professor Samuel Stroope examines the relationship between religion and educational attainment in the US. The findings reveal that individual biblical literalism is negatively associated with college completion, while congregational biblical literalism has a sharp negative impact on non-literalists.
Researchers Susan Alt and Timothy R. Pauketat have been awarded $640,000 in grants to continue their study of Cahokia Mounds, uncovering new insights into the history of civilizations. The projects focus on the role of religion in organizing complex societies, with a emphasis on archaeology, anthropology and cultural innovation.
A study found that people tend to accept dates from unattractive partners when faced with a potential date, rather than rejecting them due to concerns about hurting the other person's feelings. This bias was observed even when participants knew they would not meet in person, suggesting that social consideration can influence dating dec...
Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.
A new study from NESCent suggests that societies with less access to food and water are more likely to believe in moralizing, high gods. Belief in these types of deities is strongly associated with political complexity and the practice of animal husbandry.
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that religious beliefs and practices may reduce suicidal thoughts among African-Americans, particularly in cases of racial discrimination. The study suggests that extrinsic religiosity can buffer the negative effects of racism on mental health.
A new study reveals significant differences in religiosity between Indian and UK scientists. While 65% of UK scientists identify as non-religious, only 6% of Indian scientists share this trait. The study also found that Indian scientists are more likely to attend religious services than their UK counterparts.
A Baylor University study finds that young people who regularly attend religious services are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Feeling connected to a 'higher power' may help overcome peer pressure and lead to increased prosocial behaviors and reduced narcissistic behavior.
A study in Journal of Consumer Research finds that former churchgoers experience deep identity crises due to the loss of morality and day-to-day guidance. As they navigate a broader marketplace, they must assume personal responsibility for their choices and reassemble their lives from new ideas, experiences, and services.
A Baylor University researcher found that individuals with a secure attachment to God experience fewer symptoms of anxiety-related disorders. Those who pray but do not expect comfort or protection from God are more likely to show symptoms of anxiety.
Recent findings at the Alken Enge site reveal a violent sequel to a major battle fought around Christ's birth, with four pelvic bones found tied together and bundles of desecrated bones uncovered. The remains were gathered, cleaned, and then brutally treated before being cast into a lake.
Two studies found that conservatives and liberals equally value obedience, but only to authorities sharing similar views. Conservatives desire shared reality, perceiving consensus among like-minded others, which fuels their political engagement.
A Baylor University study found that full-time workers who attend churches emphasizing integrating faith at work experience higher job satisfaction and dedication. Involvement in congregations with strong faith-work connections boosts entrepreneurial spirit, but may hinder church attendance.
A new study suggests that people's perception of free will is based on the agent's ability to make intentional and independent choices, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. The study found that participants generally attributed free will to humans with mental capacity, but not to those without.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals that individuals are more genetically similar to their spouses than to randomly selected individuals from the same population. The researchers found a preference for genetic similarity in mates, known as genetic assortative mating, which is about a third of the strength of educational assortative mating.
A study found that humans lack knowledge and preparation to actively contact extraterrestrial civilizations. Researchers recommend alternative strategies, promoting cosmic awareness through education.
Research shows that high school friends are the most likely to be unfriended on Facebook, often due to polarizing comments or frequent uninteresting posts. The studies also found that being close friends at one point in time can intensify emotional responses to unfriending.
Research by Baylor University and the University of Texas-San Antonio found that listening to gospel music decreases anxiety about death, while increases sense of control among seniors. The study, based on a nationwide survey, also showed positive associations between religious music and life satisfaction, self-esteem.
Research from Oregon State University reveals two distinct pathways for the connection between religion, spirituality, and health. Formal religious affiliation and service attendance are linked to better health habits, while meditation and private prayer regulate emotions and physiological effects.
A new paper by an MIT political scientist suggests a way to assess the relative impact of several factors at once in politics, using conjoint analysis. The method allows for direct comparison of how voters weigh different candidate characteristics, providing insights into voter preferences.
A new study found that causal brain networks involved in fear regulation, imagery, and affect are also used for cognitive processing of religious beliefs. These basic networks evolved to mediate complex beliefs like those contained in religious practice.
New research reveals that residents of poorer nations report having greater meaning in life, contrary to the notion that wealthier nations are happier. Higher religiosity is believed to play a crucial role in this phenomenon, providing people with a sense of purpose and structure in their lives.
A Baylor University study found that people from the largest racial group in a congregation feel more sense of belonging and are more involved. In contrast, those from smaller racial groups report lower feelings of belonging and participation rates.
A new study found that consumers rejected from social networks are more likely to purchase products already accepted by the group than choose something unique. In contrast, brands using popularity appeals may elicit a positive response by emphasizing the uniqueness of their product.
A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.
A $1.4 million project led by CWRU psychologist Julie Exline aims to understand the factors behind religious and spiritual struggles. The study will explore how spiritual conflicts arise, resolve, and impact individuals from different life stages, including college students, US adults, and military veterans.