Our thanks to Earl Martin for favoring us with a copy of The Backgrounder , published by The Heritage Foundation . The paper gives some data you may find fascinating. Americans pray even more than they go to church. Even the 13 percent of the population who call themselves agnostics or atheists, some 20 percent pray daily. Churchgoers are more likely to be married, less likely to be divorced or single, and more likely to manifest high levels of satisfaction in marriage.
Church attendance is the most important predictor of marital stability and happiness.
The regular practice of religion helps poor people out of poverty. Religious belief and practice contribute substantially to the formation of personal moral criteria and sound moral judgment. The practice of religion encourages less depression, more self-esteem, and greater happiness. Religion increases longevity, improves chances of recovery from illness, and lessens incidence of many killer diseases. Professor Randal Jarrell conducted a study of students at the De La Salle Academy, an independent school in the upper west side of Manhattan serving primarily inner-city black and Hispanic middle school children who show substantial academic promise.