Scientific studies over the last four decades have examined the
role of both public and private religious expression on health
and longevity. The studies have shown that the practice of
religious activity improves health and increases longevity. The
effect is seen even when other social/psychological differences
are taken into account. For example, one 16-year study examined
mortality rates in 11 religious vs. 11 secular kibbutzim in
Israel. Although both communities were demographically-matched
and provided similar levels of social support, three time more
people died in the secular kibbutzim compared to the religious
kibbutazim. The following is a short list of some recent studies
that have shown the positive influence of religion on health and
longevity. Tully J, Viner RM, Coen PG, Stuart JM, Zambon M,
Peckham C, Booth C, Klein N, Kaczmarski E, Booy R. 2006. Risk
and Protective Factors for Meningococcal Disease in Adolescents:
Matched Cohort Study. BMJ 332: 445-450. A study of meningococcal
disease in adol