Religion and Human Flourishing

"Rather than use religion to indoctrinate, Scott’s research argues, faith-based groups represent ways public schools can tap into a deeper connection to the communities and people educators are attempting to serve."

"In the long run, especially the eternal long run, division serves no one. It is exhausting, debilitating and destructive. President Oaks, in the name of Christ, has again invited us to choose a better way — the way of a peacemaker who understands that through our actions now, each of us will make the most of this life and the one to come."

Are faith communities the key to closing opportunity gaps in public schools?

Distinguished Fellow Shima Baradaran Baughman Delivers Ensign College Devotional

After nearly two centuries, the promise of U.S. public schools to foster effective and meaningful learning opportunities for all children across race and social class remains unfulfilled. In this report, we examine the potential for religious faith to help bridge student learning opportunity gaps—given that seven in ten Americans identify with a faith tradition and that religious faith plays a significant role in various dimensions of human flourishing. We define religious faith as including both (a) personal spiritual beliefs and practices and (b) participation in religious organizations that structure shared beliefs, values, and rituals that guide personal and community conduct.

The Religion and the American Founding conference, held in March, brought together representatives from over a dozen different religions and faith organizations to share the impact of faith on the American founding.

Zahra Jamal with Interfaith America asks experts in religious diversity and inclusion about the benefits of employees bringing their religion to work; Paul Lambert from Wheatley Institute responds.

Is religion in America making a comeback? Or is it experiencing an exodus? According to a new article in Y Magazine, BYU experts say that both may be true.