
Rainer on Leadership Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It)
Thom and Sam dive into Ryan Burge’s latest analysis of the 2023–2024 Pew Religious Landscape Survey, which asked nearly 37,000 Americans a simple question: “How happy are you with your life these days?” The results reveal one of the clearest and most consistent findings in social science.
Religious people report being happier than non-religious people.
While happiness is complex and influenced by many factors, the data shows that both religious belonging (identifying with a faith) and religious behavior (attending worship in person) are strongly correlated with higher life satisfaction. Online worship, while somewhat beneficial, doesn’t have the same impact as being physically present in a faith community.
-
- In-Person Worship Boosts Happiness. Those who attend religious services weekly or more are nearly twice as likely to report being “very happy” as those who never attend. The most frequent attenders—about 8% of the population—are the happiest group by far.
- Online Worship Helps, But Less So. Watching services online provides a slight happiness bump, but it’s no substitute for in-person connection. The data shows little difference in happiness between non-attenders and online-only participants.
- Faith Matters Most for Younger Generations. Millennials and older members of Gen Z who attend church weekly are about twice as likely to report being “very happy” compared to their non-religious peers. The “happiness gap” is strongest among these younger cohorts.
- The Relationship Persists Across Politics and Age. Even when controlling for ideology and age, religious people (liberal, moderate, or conservative) consistently report higher happiness levels than non-religious individuals.
The takeaway is simple but profound: faithful community and consistent worship participation are powerful predictors of well-being. Or, as Dr. Burge puts it, “Highly active religious people are happier than non-religious people. There’s no other way to spin this data.”
Resources:
- “Revival of the Analog Church” by Thom S. Rainer – coming soon!
- “Bowling Alone” by Robert Putnam (affiliate link)
Episode Sponsors:
2026 – New Year, Greater Family Impact
A new year is the perfect time to dream bigger, reach farther, and make an even greater impact in your community. Upward Sports isn’t just about the game—it’s about bringing the whole family together.
-
- As you plan for 2026, imagine creating experiences that connect kids, parents, and grandparents in a fun, welcoming environment. From cheering on the sidelines to hitting the court or field, every sport is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen community, and share your church’s message of care and connection.
- Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or even adult running, Upward Sports equips your church to reach families right in the heart of your neighborhood. All it takes is one passionate leader and a church ready to turn this new year into greater impact.
- Start today at Upward.org/ChurchAnswers
There is something powerful about walking through the Bible at the same time. When everyone is reading the same Scripture each day, conversations change. Hearts open. People feel connected—not just to God, but to each other.
One Year Bibles are designed to guide readers through the entire Bible in 365 days.
-
- It is one reading a day, and by the end of the year, you will have gone through the entire Bible together—one body, moving in one direction, through one story.
- It is more than a reading plan. It is a way to build unity, deepen discipleship, and create shared momentum to know God and each other more.
- Perfect for small groups, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and other connection points.
Find a One Year Bible for your community at TheOneYearBible.com.
The post Religious People Are Happier (And the Data Proves It) appeared first on Church Answers.


