Scientific evidence: Reading the Bible promotes a positive outlook

Newsday.com ^ | 11/10/01 | Carol Eisenberg

[truthandlife]

For more than 1,000 years, the Bible has been the most widely read and circulated book in history, influencing the development of language, literature and culture.

Now, a Christian publishing house says it has scientific evidence that reading the Bible promotes a positive outlook.

82 percent of regular Bible readers described themselves as "at peace," versus 58 percent of those who said they never read the Bible.

78 percent of regular Bible readers said they felt "happy" all or most of the time, versus 67 percent of nonreaders.

[Free the USA]

This may be true but it also may be a connection without a cause.

[anniegetyourgun]

It's because we know the end of the story - we read the book!

[Free the USA]

Bump

[dino1955]

Oh, so true...I first started serious Bible study as a sceptic...now, my entire life, and outlook, has changed for the absolute better. Reading the word of the Lord changes the person by increasing one's faith. Guaranteed...if you regularly read Scripture and pray for faith, it will be given to you, and it will change your life.

[Fiddlstix]

Scientific evidence: Reading the Bible promotes a positive outlook

I Don't Need a "Scientific Study"......
I've Known this for Years J

[Elihu Burritt]

If only doing scientific studies could promote intelligence.

[Faithfull]

Amen to this. I am a 'changed life' that will never be the same, nor do I want to be. There is no better way than to begin my day spending time with God and His great guide book. It sure keeps me on the right path. May I also suggest a book written for all interested in knowing if indeed the Bible is God's word- it is called The Signature of God by Grant Jeffrey. Bless you for a great post.

[Calvin Locke]

I heard the Vatican is going to be updating the Jerusalem (Catholic) Bible. No details other than it's probably the result of the study of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

[dennisw]

Guy was on Art Bell last night talking about this. Revision and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

[cayman99]

Reading Q'uran causes one to lose their mind and kill people

[arepublicifyoucankeepit]

I always feel better if I start my day reading a few scriptures. Sometimes 10 minutes other times 45 minutes. There always seems to be wisdom that applies to whatever hurdles I am facing at the time. Praise God for His wisdom and grace in leaving us with His thoughts and guidance.

My favorite book was Pastor John Hagee's "Day of Deception" speaking of the deceptions in our culture today. Great stuff, even my husband couldn't put it down.

[Free the USA]

I think I should clarify my comments. I like reading the Bible myself. In order for a study to have scientific validity you must control for all other factors. Factors such as a firm believe in God, people who are more apt to be stable contributing members of society, etc. Absent the control group people can easily dismiss the study.

[jlogajan]

Well, watching the Simpsons improves my outlook. mmmmm, donuts!!!

[Slapper]

Amen!

[Economist_MA]

Scientific evidence

It is pretty bad when people are using a lie to sell (of all things) the Bible. There is nothing "scientific" about their survey, not attempt to control for any other factors, and especially no sign of directional causality.

Anyway, reading the Bible is a worthwile undertaking and if a few more people do it....

[JmyBryan]

What percentage did Mad magazine get?

[Jorge]

Jesus said "man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God".....
Reading the Bible benefits man because it is the word of God.

[Hank Kerchief]

It is pretty bad when people are using a lie to sell (of all things) the Bible. There is nothing "scientific" about their survey, not attempt to control for any other factors, and especially no sign of directional causality.

You are absolutely right!

It is Christian gullibilty and their constant expressions of absurdities such as this that has made Christianity odious to the world. How true it is that the children of darkness are wiser than the children of light.

I don't think the Bible needs any help from this kind of pseudo-scientific propaganda.

Hank

[tim politicus]

I agree. Happiness without cause is foolishness at best.

The Bible's basic claim though, is that the Mind and Spirit which creates and rules over this universe is intimately concerned and devoted to each of us. So much, in fact, that to the degree to which it was possible for this being to do so, it gave up everything it possessed, and died to give us true existence.

Sure that would make one happy if true, even more, it might cause one to literally 'fall in love' with life itself, but can it be believed?

Well, the book only points the way. The power is in the Relationship. Is it possible to have a loving intimate relationship with Reality?

_Only_ experience can tell.

Jesus said:
Ask. And you _will_ recieve.
Seek. And you _will_ find.
Pound on the door! And it _will_ be opened for you.

I promise you this, in any relationship, you only get its benefit by spending time with someone. If we actually put a just fraction of the amount of time and energy that we put into our careers into seriously seeking to relate with the One Infinite Reality...

That is what Evangelicals call prayer(seeking love from God) and worship(loving God back). Hey, it works for people ranging from Bob Dylan and Mel Gibson to George W. Bush.

You could be merely a pile of complex chemicals to me. Or I could spend the time (and take the chance) actually relating to you as a living being and person.

It would be my choice.