Over the past several decades, religion has moved from the center of American public life toward the margins. Most Americans now say religion is losing influence, and participation has declined across much of the developed world. At the same time, many Americans have shifted sources of identity and moral meaning away from religious commitments toward politics, popular culture, science, or some combination of the three. As this shift continues, it invites closer examination of how changes in religious involvement relate to individual well-being— including mental and physical health— as well as to family relationships and broader social life.

As we begin the second quarter of the 21st century, what do the best medical and social science studies tell us about connections between religion and health? The Religion and Human Flourishing series, a three-part research series by Wheatley Institute, answers this question by synthesizing the findings from Koenig, VanderWeele, and Peteet’s Handbook of Religion and Health (3rd ed., 2024)— a collection of hundreds of rigorous and high-quality studies that make up the most comprehensive and methodologically discerning review on religion and health to date. Part one of Religion and Human Flourishing focuses on religion and mental health, while part three focuses on religion and social health.

A surprising number of young adults in real-life romantic relationships are simultaneously maintaining secret romantic interactions with AI chatbot companions.

Leaders from across the country—spanning academia, politics, faith communities, and civic life— recently gathered in Chicago for an evening dedicated to advancing religious pluralism. The highlight of the night featured an inspiring panel discussion with thought leaders Andy Hanauer from One America Movement, Elder Matthew S. Holland from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rebecca Russo from Interfaith America, and John Wood Jr. from the Omni American Society. The panel members explored the difference between tolerance and pluralism, discussed the roles of both believers and nonbelievers in protecting religious diversity, and gave practical suggestions for lawmakers and community members trying to encourage bridge-building in a divided America.

In May, students, professors, and guests gathered to listen to Bret Stephens— author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and New York Times columnist— speak on the role of the cultural elite in American polarization. The lecture was hosted by Wheatley Institute, the BYU Political Science Department, and the Initiative for Peacemaking, and served as the opening keynote for the 2026 Brigham Young University Peacemaking Conference.

In a collaborative event between Wheatley Institute and BYU's McKay School of Education, leading scholars and educators from across the country discussed the potential for religious faith to help bridge America's widening student learning opportunity gaps.

Troy Closson, reporter for The New York Times, explored the difficult dating scene facing Gen Z in New York City— and used Wheatley research to investigate.

What did the Founders mean when they wrote "the pursuit of happiness"? What can their intent tell us about improving American well-being today?

What does research tell us about materialism and marriage? Nothing positive, says Jason Carroll, Family Initiative Director at Wheatley Institute. "Materialism harms marriages in two distinct ways—one obvious, one far less so—and understanding both is essential for any couple or family navigating the financial realities of modern life."