Bestselling Author Rebecca McLaughlin Presents Evidence That Church Could Be the Greatest Life Hack for Your Mental and Physical Well-Being
People are hungry for the latest wellness secret to improve their physical and mental health and extend their life expectancy. But one of the most evidence-based practices to boost your health and happiness is hidden in plain sight. It’s not a new-age trend, a superfood, or an expensive, recently released pill. It’s the age-old practice of attending church each week.
Harvard School of Public Health and other institutions have discovered that weekly religious service attendance helps guard against depression, increase happiness, improve physical health, and extend life expectancy. In How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life, Rebecca McLaughlin explores this compelling data from a Christian perspective. Avoiding prosperity-gospel guarantees of health in this life, she shares the significant and science-backed benefits of worshiping God in community and the good news of Jesus, the Great Physician.
Written both for skeptics and believers who may have stopped going to church, this brief, accessible guide invites readers to discover the true source of abundant life.
Introduction
Chapter 1: Mental Health Benefits
Chapter 2: Physical Health Benefits
Chapter 3: Moral Health Benefits
Chapter 4: Spiritual Health Benefits
Endnotes
| Contributors | Rebecca McLaughlin |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781433599699 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | September 2025 |
| Dimensions | 127mm x 178mm x 6mm |
| Weight | 0.09 kg |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 88 |
| Publisher | Crossway |
The empirical research on religion and health could be seen as an invitation back to communal religious life for those who (for a range of reasons) are not currently part of a faith community. Rebecca McLaughlin issues that invitation in a most compelling manner.
A wonderful little book. Rebecca McLaughlin makes a powerful case for the mental, physical, moral, and spiritual benefits of going to church, blending scientific research with personal stories and wise application.
Rebecca McLaughlin functions a bit like an oracle to me—her work is consistently on point and timely; her instincts point true gospel north. For centuries, Christians have claimed that following Jesus leads to life and happiness. This helpful book shows that even modern social science is beginning to say, ‘Yes and amen!’ Characteristic of Rebecca’s style, this book is carefully researched and evenly reasoned. Whether preparing a talk, talking with a friend, or teaching your kids, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself turning to it again and again.
