Faith Makes You Happy?

Insights from Happiness Research and Theology
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-22910-0
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 192 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 452 g

Reihe: Routledge Studies in Religion

This book examines how faith and happiness intersect. It reflects on why religion and happiness are positively related, and why believers are often shown to be hap>pier than nonbelievers. The author provides an overview of existing literature on religion and happiness and draws on in-depth empirical research. The chapters touch on questions such as: Which aspects of religion are related to happiness? What channels mediate the relationship between religion and happiness? Under which conditions is the relationship stronger or weaker? The book also investigates whether and how the empirical findings of happiness research are relevant from a theological perspective. It asks why Christians might be skeptical about the rela>tionship between faith and happiness, and whether this perception is rooted in the Biblical texts and the Church tradition. The author considers the implications of the research for those (believers and nonbelievers) who live in a society where happiness is often seen as the highest value, and what lessons churches can learn from the results. This book is relevant for a broad audience of theologians, sociologists, psychologists, and, more generally, academics who are interested in the relationship between religion and happiness.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Graafland, Johan

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Christentum/Christliche Theologie Allgemein
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Theologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface 1. Introduction Part I: The relationships between religion and happiness unraveled: Results of happiness research 2. Methodology of empirical research 3. Are religious people happier? 4. Why are religious people happier? 5. When are religious people happier? 6. Overview of the empirical findings Part II Theological perspectives on happiness and interpretation of empirical results 7. Biblical perspectives on happiness 8. Happiness in the church tradition 9. Happiness in other religions 10. Theological significance of empirical findings Appendices Literature Index

Über Autor(innen)

Johan Graafland is a full professor in economics, business, and ethics at Tilburg University, the Netherlands. An economist and theologian, he specializes in eco>nomic ethics, corporate social responsibility, and the relationship between religion and economics and business.