Christianity and its effect on self-worth

[Godscreated]

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Because of people like you, less and less believers, atheist are pulling us down in life expectancy.

GC

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I'm familiar with the studies you mentioned, and they are indeed legitimate. I'd contend that many of the health benefits have to do with belonging to an extremely tight-knit community and pressure not to take part in activities that are frowned upon in some religious groups, such as smoking and drinking. A 2010 Gallup poll showed that nonreligious people were more likely to smoke and drink and less likely to eat healthy and exercise when compared to religious people. That's obviously detrimental to a healthy lifestyle. However, it would be interesting to go back and look at their sample selections to see if all regions of the country are accurately represented. For instance, Mississippi is often considered the most religious state in the nation, but it is also has the highest levels of obesity, second highest level of diabetes, and a whole host of other issues. These are predominantly Christian people with a range of serious health problems.

I wouldn't be so quick as to lump the blame on us for bringing down life expectancy. You may want to take a look at conservative policy keeping people from getting affordable health insurance and keeping people mired in poverty.

Yes, those things have a effect on the health of the Christian community, things like smoking and drinking are not actually limited by pressure from the community, it's a life style. I live in East Tennessee and I quit smoking before I was active in the church. I believe another reason the Christian community is healthier is because of the hard work we do even at home and for each other. Like Mississippi we do eat well here, we have incredible cooks and we do grow gardens so veggies are a big part of our diet. As for drinking most here in my area do not, I have an occasional beer or shot but never to get a buzz, I enjoy the taste. I have church friends that also take an occasional drink, we all know well the down falls of excessive drinking, especially me. The article I posted wasn't just about our bodily health it was also about our mental health and a spiritual life helps in that area also, through support, love and ect.

I'm not sure how many here actually understand when we say we are not worthy that it's in comparison to God, most of us understand this. I'm sure there are those in the Christian community that push the I'm not worthy attitude to far by wrong teaching, it's sad but individual churches teach what they decide is right. Compared to an all loving and omniscient and omnipotent God we are not worthy of the spiritual things except through the grace of God. I've known two Christians who have taken their lives, one who had trouble from serving in war and another who was mentally ill for a very long time. Most Christians I know are very happy and very stable in their lives, but like I stated I'm from ET where family is huge and we will stick by each other through the thick and thin. All this however stems from our Christian beliefs and understanding where we stand with God.

GC

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@ those who responded to my last few posts.

The study showed that many atheist blame Christians for their misfortune, and what do you all do, play the blame game, Strider didn't, some understand while others close their eyes and ears and go and then freak out over truth. Chad32 if there's persecution going on in this country it's the black Americans that are suffering and that persecution comes from all walks, so you need to get over your complex.

GC