For the last several years, the economic impact of the pandemic and various political decisions have left Americans very discouraged about their prospects of getting ahead. Christians understand that they’re to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2); nevertheless, we have to live in economic realities too.
Ryan Burge reports that religious people tend to report higher levels of optimism about the future compared to those who claim no religious affiliation. Religious experience has often been linked to higher levels of optimism and expectations that life will improve. In short, your religious beliefs contribute a lot to your hope for the future, and therefore your outlook on life.
But Mr. Burge found that it wasn’t only beliefs that shaped future outlook. It was also actions. Measured optimism was very consistent in multiple religious traditions until the frequency of religious attendance was factored in. This facet had a pretty clear impact on the question of one’s likelihood of raising their standard of living. Frequent worship attenders had more hope for the future.
Why did attendance increase the optimism of raising one’s standard of living? Burge’s research couldn’t say, but here’s some ideas to think about. First, showing up week after week builds trust, connections, and support over time. This produces greater life satisfaction and purpose. It was surprising to me, at least that attendance predicted these outcomes more strongly than other forms of community involvement. Second, those faithful worship attenders have a social network in their congregational fellowship that instills more confidence when navigating setbacks, and makes them more optimistic about their future. Being around faithful Christians whose hearts are focused, not only on heaven, but also on a solid faith in God is intrinsically powerful. It allows us to confidently face any problem and believe that God will be with all of us. The Lord knew what He was doing when He commanded us to assemble and worship!
Kyle Campbell