Study: Happiness is having friends at church

Does going to church make you happier?

Studys find that attending religious services regularly and having close friends in the congregation are key to having a happier, more satisfying life. Even attending services irregularly — just several times a year — increases a sense of well-being, so long as there is a circle of friendships within the community and a strong, shared religious identity. "I think it's because they meet a group of close friends together on a regular basis and participate in religious activities that are meaningful to themselves and share a sense of community or sense of belonging," said Dr. Chaeyoon Lim, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin. Here are two stories that we have captured from the news lately:

Having Friends at Church:

http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/mind-soul/spirituality/2010-12-07-happyreligion07_ST_N.htm

Friends May Be Key to Churchgoers' Happiness:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/publicsite/news/view.aspx?id=647040

Does going to church make you feel better? Or happier?