How can God’s Word benefit public health?
Give me a minute to explain.
The Bible is good for people. It seems that Harvard University might agree! The question is raised, “Is religion a determining factor of public health?” Yes, says Harvard Public Health.
“Documentation suggests that weekly religious service attendance is longitudinally associated with lower mortality risk, lower depression, less suicide, better cardiovascular disease survival, better health behaviors, and greater marital stability, happiness, and purpose in life.
No other ancient text has a Personal, Eternal Creator. Transcendence and immanence both pour from the biblical God. He was at once separate and other-than while at the same time demonstrating caring compassion. Only from One whose authority was autonomous and absolute could spring the framework of a well-ordered world. Creation works. Stability makes life livable. Harmony flows throughout every established system. The Bible’s God cascades benefits from His personal nurture.
Common grace is goodness shown through all creation.
Thanks for spending this minute with me, Dr. Mark Eckel.
Mark Eckel (MA English, ThM Old Testament, PhD Social Science Research) is Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Integration, Liberty University.
“Give Me a Minute” is an ongoing effort to simply, clearly, and quickly explain aspects of true Truth.
Gratitude, as always, to my longtime friend, videographer, and tech guru Josh for his continued service.
[From https://harvardpublichealth.org/policy-practice/why-are-spirituality-and-health-not-linked-in-public-health/ and https://markeckel.com/2024/04/29/the-bible-is-good/ ]