The connection between happiness and religion in general and the positive correlation therein - Essay Example

Relationship between Happiness and Religion Unbiased data indicate that religious people are more likely to be happier than those who do not profess any religious beliefs. Primarily, several studies conducted in the US have revealed that religious people are at a lower risk of depressive symptoms compared to those who are not religious. Irrespective of which denomination one subscribes to, it has been found that several factors do indeed affect religious people. However, there have been questions as to whether religion is responsible for the happiness exhibited by the people or they are already happy before joining these religious groups.

The purpose of the essay is to investigate the connection existing between happiness and religion.Happiness and religion exists mainly because many, if not all, of the religions tend to focus on the minds of the followers. Studies have revealed that while not many religions may explicitly express their full support or agreement to positive psychology, many embrace it. That is to say, the components of positive psychology are normally applied in many of the religious teachings though without using the same terms.

In positive psychology, the central ideology is focusing on the positive even when faced with an enormous challenge. Similarly, in many religions, the followers are encouraged to rely on a being capable of helping them with the challenge. Therefore, when this happens, the people feel the burden is not insurmountable and tend to hold a positive attitude. Consequently, the religious people are compelled to remain positive in the midst of challenges.It is after remaining positive that religious people exhibit happiness since one’s psychological state is imperative to happiness.

Notwithstanding these assertions, there is a disparity when it comes to the role played by religion in various social classes. For instance, the poorest people in the society may attribute much of their success to religion unlike the others who, despite holding religious beliefs, may take credit. In short, religion does indeed influence happiness but in different capacities depending on the class of people involved. Religious individuals of higher status in the society may not always ascribe to religion as their source of happiness.

Conversely, the others who cannot in any way control their lives will most likely rely on the beliefs and practices to find insurance, happiness and satisfaction in religious places.In light of the above, it is evident that even though religion does indeed have a significant impact on one’s happiness, it varies. Additionally, religion cannot directly be credited for the happiness people exhibit since it is apparent they are seeking different kinds of satisfactions. In addition, the fact that these people do not always attribute all their success to the religions they follow implies there is a strong perception about religion, which is not accurate.

This perception is that religion is responsible for the happiness witnessed in the religious people. Upon further analysis based on the above investigations, one can rightfully conclude that what exists between religion and happiness is a correlation as opposed to causation. That is to say, a religion does not cause happiness but due to its teachings, it influences.In essence, the well-being of religious people is likely to improve because of holding onto religious beliefs because many of the teachings deal with the mind.

Further, the fact that many religions encourage meeting often means people are able to socialize. This, in return, may have some positive effect on the followers since a majority of them may share their current experiences. Obviously, this action is likely to end up in encouraging each other leaving the person who may have had an issue feeling a bit relieved. This is an experience other non-religious people seldom have, meaning any depressed person has limited or no social groups. It is mainly for this reason that religion is pivotal in positively influencing its followers.

However, as noted, it cannot necessarily be credited with causing, but rather influencing, happiness in people’s lives.