A new study from Psychological Bulletin indicates that church attendance does promote self control. (Hat tip: New York Times)
The traditional explanation might be that fear of divine retribution scares youngsters into behaving. But the scientists who did this study suspect a more positive effect: religious ritual stimulates our self-control muscles. Michael McCullough explains:
"Brain-scan studies have shown that when people pray or meditate, there's a lot of activity in two parts of brain that are important for self-regulation and control of attention and emotion. The rituals that religions have been encouraging for thousands of years seem to be a kind of anaerobic workout for self-control."
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sorry, above post is mine.
It would seem the Ten Commandments read and agreed with would be an asset to anyone and their control over their life. However, that isn't always the case. I don't think there is a Psychologist alive that could figure this out. But it's fun trying.
In Galatian's it is written, "Freedom is what we have. Christ has set us free." One of the arguments that Paul writes about in this 5th Chapter of Galatians is the fact that, just because we get all this freedom from sin through Christ's death does this mean we can do anything we want? Paul writes that there must be a proper use of the freedom that God gives us so that life doesn't become a free for all with no controls. That God's spirit is to guide us and our love for Christ because he died for us will motivate us to live a life that is pleasing to him. Paul in a number of letters in the New Testament uses the word, "try to please God" The word "try" meaning make the effort. Love is a great motivator. If we fall in love with someone it is amazing what we do for them. The same thing for God the creator. When a person loves God and trys to live a life that is pleasing to God they find good things happen. Sometimes bad things happen but they can be dealt with more effectively with God in one's life. The total picture shows a person receives more benefits and is better off personally than if they weren't motivated by faith in God.
To whom it may concern, I do agree that formal religion can be beneficial to many and I do have the utmost repect for all religion. However I have witnessed many people who recieve a distorted view of the religion. I say this due to many children that I have spoken with, when religion is pounded upon the child with fear the child rebels and walks away from the religion. I can elaborate on this more but please find me at Linkin.com so we can discuss this. I say this study need's more studying. Let there be love and peace through out the lands after all Jesus said "Live and Let Live" Suzanne Ramirez
"Does Religion Promote Self-Control?"
Let's see...
- Jimmy Swaggart.
- Ted Haggard.
- Jimmy Baker.
- Jerry Falwell.
- James Dobson.
I'm guessin' - No.
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