Body and Spirit

Today’s health section of the Wall Street Journal has an interesting article titled: “Body and Spirit: Why Attending Religious Services May Benefit Health”. In it, Dr. Lynda Powell of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center marvels at the increasingly conclusive evidence that being a church-goer increases one’s quality of life and length of days. After analyzing the evidence, she notes that “there’s an unknown mechanism” contributing to the benefit, but she adds that she doesn’t believe that mechanism is God. While there may not be any miraculous divine intervention involved adding days to the lives of those who go to church, these findings still demonstrate the truth of God’s word in places like Proverbs 3:1-2 which says: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” Those who observe God’s law will receive his blessing as a general pattern of God’s normal order for the earth.

Finally, Dr. Powell says “After seeing the data, I think I should go to church.” Dr. Powell, that would be a great start, and if you are reading this blog, please know that you are welcome to come to Second Reformed Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis anytime.