As a whole, why do believers live longer than non believers as shown by the following SCIENTIFIC study?

Question

A recent controversial study conducted by Duke University Medical Center indicates that those who regularly attend religious services live longer.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week307/cover.html

"There's evidence, a lot of evidence from many different faiths that people who are actively involved in their religion, in fact, live longer," said Dr. Gary Fraser of Loma Linda University.

One study found that those who attended religious services regularly live an average of eight years longer. Some experts suggest that a religious life may reduce stress and bring the comfort of a community.
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/LivingLonger/story?id=1242497

People who attended religious services at least once a week were 46 percent less likely to die during the six-year study, says lead author Harold G. Koenig, M.D., of Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolin
http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/spirituality-may-help-people-live-longer

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Does it appear that God is living up to his word that he will increase our years?
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Uliju 2007 AM (below) You are proof that being an atheist does NOT equate to being void of character. Your response has character and integrity written all over it. Great response!

Answer 1

this in fact has been an on going study or some even say fact for years..... a lot of hospitals have seen the effects of prayer and *faith* in patients recoveries for years... and ohhh boy, these answers should get interesting on this one !!!! go in peace..... God bless

Answer 2

For some people religion is important for their mental health. It is still no proof that makes god real. As it don't make a difference on what religion. See that line. religious life may reduce stress and bring the comfort of a community. That is why a lot of people go to church. No proof of god.

Answer 3

Statistics are easily manipulated.

I can show it is safer (statistically) to drive drunk as fast as you can.

Studies have shown 75% of accidents involve only sober drivers, and 25% involve (but are not neccisarily caused by) at least one drunk driver. From this statistic you can claim a sober driver is at least 3 times more likely to be in an accident than a drunk driver.

Statistics also show that the more hours a person drives, the more likely they are to be involved in an accident. Obviously, if you drive twice as fast it takes half the time to travel the same distance.


Then there is the matter of biased studies. I'm sure you are a bit skeptical of studies on the effects of tobacco that were funded by tobacco companies.

And I notice those studies don't show as marked of increase in lifespan as someone who owns a pet. So logic dictates a dog is as powerful as a god in this instance.

Answer 4

Stress.

People who believe in god and an afterlife are probably comforted by the idea that they will go to a heaven of somesort.

Also, church is a haven for people. It is a group activity they can enjoy where one is comfortable and has support for their troubles.

It's pretty simple. It's comfort in delusion.

Answer 5

Belief tends to foster equanimity, which is a plus survival factor. Which, of course, has nothing to do with whether the beliefs are correct.

Answer 6

First I add, what is 'your' belief? Somewhere beneath what your belief is, and what are those of others' -- scientists' included, explains it.

Answer 7

Because they're too busy sitting through church to go out and LIVE, and we all know that living is deadly.

Answer 8

It's easy to lie with statistics. And even if it were true, I don't see what the point is.