Health Benefits of a Deep Religious Commitment

Scientific studies show people who pray and go to church are healthier.

CBN Medical Reporter Lorie Johnson spoke with Dr. Harold G. Koenig, director of The Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at the Duke University Medical Center.

Koenig is the author of several books, including The Healing Power of Faith, and has given testimony before the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives concerning the benefits of religion and spirituality on public health.

Koenig says people of faith have better health, both physically and mentally, and live longer than atheists.

"The benefits of devout religious practice, particularly involvement in a faith community and religious commitment, are that people cope better," he said.

"In general, they cope with stress better, they experience greater well-being because they have more hope, they're more optimistic, they experience less depression, less anxiety, and they commit suicide less often," he said.

Dr. Koenig spoke more with CBN News about the health benefits of religious committment. Click play to watch.