In an era often marked by political polarization, social fragmentation, and rising rates of loneliness and mental illness, many Americans are seeking answers to life’s most pressing questions. What fosters resilience in individuals? What holds communities together? What contributes to purpose, peace, and human flourishing? Increasingly, both empirical research and moral reflection point toward a compelling answer: religion matters.
Far from being an outdated relic of the past or a purely private matter, religious faith and its active practice are essential contributors to individual well-being and societal stability. This article draws on two vital sources—Paul W. Lambert’s recent address at Brigham Young University titled “Faith and Flourishing in Your Life and Work” and the Heritage Foundation’s foundational research report “Why Religion Matters: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability”—to explain why religion continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a healthy and flourishing society.
🔗 Watch Paul Lambert’s BYU address: Faith and Flourishing
🔗 Read the Heritage Foundation report: Why Religion Matters
A Foundation of Strength
As Paul W. Lambert states, “My faith is my greatest strength in every aspect of my life, at home, in my community, in my citizenship, and even in my professional career.” He articulates a truth backed by data: people thrive when they live in harmony with their religious identity. Religion not only grounds individuals in meaning and purpose but also provides a moral compass that directs actions toward service, compassion, and virtue.
The Heritage Foundation echoes this, concluding that “the widespread practice of religious beliefs is one of America’s greatest national resources.” From reinforcing family cohesion to motivating civic engagement, religion strengthens the very fabric of society.
Religion as Antidote to Societal Challenges
1. Bridging Division
In a time when eight in ten Americans feel the nation is divided over fundamental values, religion offers common ground. Religious teachings often emphasize reconciliation, forgiveness, and mutual respect, values desperately needed in our public discourse.
Religious leaders are frequently seen as credible peace brokers. As political scientist Rebecca Glazier observes, they have access to “peace-promoting concepts like reconciliation and forgiveness” and are motivated by spiritual, not partisan, concerns. Faithful Americans are also more likely to volunteer, vote, and engage across social and political differences.
2. Combatting Loneliness and Loss of Meaning
America is facing a crisis of loneliness and mental health. One in three adults experiences chronic loneliness, and Generation Z reports the lowest levels of purpose and the highest rates of depression and suicidality.
Religious engagement offers a clear and proven solution. Regular attendance at worship services correlates with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. According to the Wheatley Institute, religious participants are “much more likely to feel their life has meaning.” The Heritage Foundation further notes that those who attend services are happier and less psychologically stressed.
3. Reviving Moral Virtue
A staggering 87% of Americans say moral values are in a state of decline. Religion, however, remains the most consistent and accessible source of moral instruction. It teaches dignity, agency, love, accountability, and the difference between right and wrong.
Religious individuals are more likely to practice forgiveness, gratitude, and generosity. One study found that people who regularly attend services are 87% more likely to forgive others and themselves. These virtues aren’t just personal; they radiate outward, improving families, workplaces, and entire communities.
Tangible Life Benefits of Religious Practice
The societal benefits of religion go far beyond theory or tradition; they’re backed by decades of social science research. Among the most striking findings from the Heritage Foundation’s report:
- Family Strength: Churchgoers are more likely to be married, stay married, and report high marital satisfaction.
- Health and Longevity: Faithful people live longer and suffer fewer cardiovascular problems. Prayers, even when unknown to patients, have been associated with improved recovery outcomes.
- Crime and Delinquency: Communities with higher religious participation see lower crime, less drug use, and fewer suicides.
- Welfare Independence: Inner-city youth with high religious engagement are more likely to escape poverty and avoid deviant behavior.
- Substance Abuse: Religious attendance strongly correlates with lower rates of alcohol and drug abuse.
Religion in the Workplace
Lambert’s address at BYU also challenges a common misconception: that religion has no place in professional life. In fact, he argues that employees do their best work when they feel free to live their faith.
Studies show that in workplaces where faith is discouraged or ignored, employees are 46% more likely to consider quitting. But when organizations foster religious pluralism and support spiritual health, employees experience greater job satisfaction, higher productivity, and stronger loyalty.
Faith-based values such as integrity, stewardship, and service also drive ethical decision-making and innovation. Encouraging people to bring their whole selves, including their faith, to work isn’t just moral; it’s practical.
Good Religion vs. Hollow Religion
Not all religious practice yields the same results. The Heritage Foundation makes a helpful distinction between:
- Intrinsic Religion: Internally motivated and God-centered, this form fosters self-control, discipline, academic success, and moral responsibility.
- Extrinsic Religion: Outwardly motivated and self-serving, this form can actually cause harm, leading to dogmatism, racial prejudice, and irresponsibility.
True religion, one that transforms hearts and guides actions, is what generates the societal benefits described above.
Returning to Our Roots
Both Lambert and the Heritage Foundation remind us that the Founders never intended for religion to be exiled from public life. George Washington wrote in his farewell address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
Unfortunately, a growing number of political and legal institutions now treat religion as irrelevant, or worse, as harmful. This trend must be reversed if America is to flourish.
The Heritage Foundation calls for a renewed national conversation about religion’s role in public life. Their proposals include:
- Adding a question about religious practice to the national census
- Expanding school choice to include religious schools
- Appointing judges who understand the value of faith in society
- Encouraging clergy to speak boldly about religion’s public good
Lambert likewise calls for individual action. He urges Americans to “recognize and speak confidently to the positive power of religion,” to “live our faith in every aspect of our lives,” and to build communities that foster true religious pluralism, respecting all faiths, not just one.
Conclusion: Faith as a Force for Good
In the face of moral confusion, emotional distress, and social disintegration, religious faith is not the problem—it is the answer. It fuels individual flourishing, strengthens families, builds community, encourages civic participation, and provides meaning in the modern world.
The data is in. The message is clear. And the need is urgent.Religion matters—profoundly. It is time we stop hiding it, marginalizing it, or apologizing for it. Instead, we should embrace it, defend it, and boldly live it in every aspect of our lives.
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Steve Bowcut is an award-winning journalist. He is an editor and writer for Religious Freedom Under Fire as well as other security and non-security online publications. Follow and connect with Steve on Twitter, Substack, and Facebook.
