Survey Shows Benefits of Faith-Based Programs
PHILADELPHIA--Early evidence shows religiously based social service programs might be more effective than secular ones, but studies have been few and their methods uneven, a University of Pennsylvania survey concluded.
A review of about 100 studies on faith-based efforts such as rehabilitation for prison inmates showed somewhat better success rates than other nonreligious programs.
“The early returns look quite positive,” said chief researcher Byron R. Johnson of Penn’s Center for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society. The report said more research is needed before making any conclusions.
A separate review of 670 studies found overwhelming evidence that people who worship regularly have lower rates of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, nonmarital childbearing and other health and social woes.
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