The New York Times published a piece that wondered exactly why religious people live longer by a professor from the University of Stanford:
ONE of the most striking scientific discoveries about religion in recent years is that going to church weekly is good for you. Religious attendance — at least, religiosity — boosts the immune system and decreases blood pressure. It may add as much as two to three years to your life. The reason for this is not entirely clear.
She posits that it could be the built in social supports, it could just be a healthier lifestyle as Church attendees drink less, take less drugs, and are less promiscuous, and finally she posits that religious people clearly have better imaginations because they imagine God so they must be good at it.
But what if the answer is simpler and scarier. What if God just likes us better 😉
April 23, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Well, at least the nyt has ended the facade that they are unbiased, investigative journalism. They are as silly and biased as the rest and look for ways to slander religion on one day and be innocently dismissive of it the next. How useful they are.
April 23, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Somehow I doubt "God" would prefer an asshole like you over anyone else.
April 23, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Bravely said Anonymous.
Your courage, to insult someone without using your own name, is an inspiration.
The scare quotes around God, that brought tears to my eyes and made me question my religion.
Bravo.
April 23, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Bravely said Anonymous.
Your courage, to insult someone without using your own name, is an inspiration.
The scare quotes around God, that brought tears to my eyes and made me question my religion.
Bravo.
April 23, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Would you prefer "Allah"? Perhaps "Fictional Sky Man"? Or, FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER! Delicious.
April 23, 2013 at 3:24 pm
I've known plenty of evil people that have lived nice, long lives. I don't necessarily believe it's because God likes us better, He loves everyone.
I do think it may have something to do with lessened stress and better coping mechanisms when tragedy besets us. My mother-in-law, who's into the whole new age, earthy junk, has confessed that she believes I deal with hardship and tragedy better because of my faith. I know a lot of times instead of worrying myself to death (pun intended), I just let go an leave things up to God, and it really helps me deal better.
April 23, 2013 at 3:38 pm
With God you'll definately be able to deal with hardships and tragedy better. See http://www.unn.edu.ng/ for more articles.
April 23, 2013 at 4:07 pm
FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER!
Bravely anonymous, and completely original to boot. We have a real winner here.
April 23, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Poor Paul! Go pray for salvation, or some shit.
April 23, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Not only is anonymous brave, but his command of the English language is stellar.
Deb
April 23, 2013 at 5:30 pm
I don't think Mr. Archbold was trying to provide a scientific fact. I sensed a hint of good ol' humor in his statement 🙂 "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." ~ G. K. Chesterton.
April 23, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Need to create a symbol at the top of post…maybe with the Fe symbol and a siren…Irony alert!
April 23, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Anonymous must not truly be an atheist, hanging around a site like this indicates interest. Even the ridicule indicates a remnant of interest in the greater questions and perhaps a lingering faith or doubt of the atheistic world view. Real confident atheism manifests as indifference.
April 23, 2013 at 7:29 pm
The agnostics and atheists of today are different from those of the past. Many (though not all of them) are turning militant. They sue and try to shut down or silence someone because they are "offended" by the word God or what not. We here in the USA have a Constitution and in it it does not say Americans do NOT have a right not to be "offended". This is what the "Freedom of Speech" is otherwise you don't believe in it.
April 23, 2013 at 7:49 pm
What Andrea said. Because I would have said it, if she hadn't.
Lighten up, people. Atheist Fundamentalists included.
-Elodie
April 23, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Some atheists like poking Matt for his hatred of Obama. We (mostly) just enjoy the smug belief that when we realized our parents lied to us about Santa, they also weren't honest about god. Both my parents have since been honest. Matt's hatred of liberals just keeps bringing me back. I hope he stars to rail against SSM. France, and soon Delaware and Rhode Island… Matt, don't let me down.
Rover Serton
April 24, 2013 at 4:51 am
Rover, careful how you use the word hatred. Disagreeing is not the same as hatred. His criticisms are not unfounded.
And two, parents are not the origin of truth (not that you meant that literally). God's existence doesn't depend on anyone. God is Being. And truth is not always found manifested in the majority because it the harder road to live out. Most follow the path of least resistance.