People who embrace scientific and spiritual beliefs show higher life satisfaction
People who hold both scientific and spiritual beliefs show higher levels of life satisfaction, challenging the common assumption that science and religion don’t mix.
But research by Brunel University of London challenges that thinking on a global scale, showing that people who think religion and science can be compatible tend to be happier and healthier.
In one of the largest international studies on the subject, the team surveyed more than 55,000 people from major world religions, alongside atheists, agnostics, and non-religious people in 54 countries.
“When we look at how well science and religion work together which we call belief system compatibility, and how that affects wellbeing, we see a really strong connection,” said psychologist Dr Michael Price.
Across many non-Western countries, especially in Asia and Africa, people often find their religious and scientific beliefs sit peacefully side by side. Seeing the world this way is linked to greater optimism, sense of purpose, and overall wellbeing: "Our findings suggest that the perceived clash between science and religion is mainly a Western phenomenon," said Dr Price, who co-wrote the study with the University of Oxford’s Prof Dominic Johnson.
“In the West, strong scientific tradition, especially in evolutionary theory and Big Bang cosmology, conflict with creation stories in the Bible. In the USA, evangelical Christians have aggressively opposed the teaching of evolution in schools.”
Religious beliefs are more strongly linked to good wellbeing than scientific beliefs, across all countries the study found. But the biggest boost to happiness and health comes from believing in both. This is particularly true for Hindus, Muslims, and people living in Asian countries, said the study in the journal Religion, Brain & Behaviour.
Religious belief was measured in terms of ‘belief in a higher plan’ and wellbeing as ‘a combination of sense of purpose in life and optimism’. “Both of these are really core aspects of psychological mental health,” notes Dr Price, “which is itself a massive predictor of physical health.
“For many people, religion gives them a sense of hopefulness and optimism - some purpose and meaning. It's not about understanding the origins of the universe or human evolution.
In public health and wellbeing, these results could have significant implications. Easing the tension between science and religion could make communities happier and healthier. "Depression is one of the biggest public health problems in the world. So we may have much to learn from cultures where science and faith coexist more harmoniously."