People who embrace scientific and spiritual beliefs exhibit higher life satisfaction, research shows

People who hold both scientific and spiritual beliefs show higher levels of life satisfaction, which challenges the common assumption that science and religion do not mix.

But research from 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 the world’s major religions, as well as atheists, agnostics and non-religious people in 54 countries.

“When we look at how well science and religion work together, what we call the compatibility of belief systems, and how that affects well-being, we see a very strong connection,” says psychologist Dr. Michael Price.

In many non-Western countries, especially in Asia and Africa, people often find their religious and scientific beliefs coexisting peacefully. Seeing the world in this way is linked to greater optimism, a sense of purpose and overall well-being: “Our findings suggest that the perceived clash between science and religion is primarily a Western phenomenon,” says Dr. Price, who co-wrote the study with Professor Dominic Johnson of the University of Oxford.

“In the West, a strong scientific tradition, especially in evolutionary theory and Big Bang cosmology, conflicts with the creation stories in the Bible. In the US, evangelical Christians have aggressively opposed the teaching of evolution in schools.”

Religious beliefs are more strongly linked to good well-being than scientific beliefs, the study found across countries. But the greatest boost to happiness and health comes from belief in both. This is especially true for Hindus, Muslims and people living in Asian countries, the newspaper said study in the news Religion, Brain & Behavior.

Religious belief was measured in terms of ‘belief in a higher plan’ and well-being as ‘a combination of a sense of purpose in life and optimism’. “Both are actually core aspects of psychological mental health,” notes Dr. Price, “which in itself is a huge predictor of physical health.

“For many people, religion gives them a sense of hope and optimism – purpose and meaning. It is not about understanding the origins of the universe or human evolution.

In terms of public health and welfare, these results could have significant implications. Easing the tension between science and religion could make communities happier and healthier. “Depression is one of the world’s leading public health problems, so we can learn a lot from cultures where science and faith coexist more harmoniously,” says Dr. Price.