Is religion necessary for happiness?

Religion is not necessarily required for happiness, but religious behaviors contribute significantly to well-being. Shane Parrish and Laurie Santos discuss how religious behaviors, such as attending services and engaging in community activities, correlate with higher happiness levels. The critical factor appears to be these structured behaviors rather than the spiritual beliefs themselves. Santos highlights that any cultural institution promoting similar behaviors, like community involvement and altruism, could potentially offer the same benefits as religious practices 1.

This means if similar behaviors like those fostered by religious practices can be replicated in non-religious contexts—such as through clubs or social groups—they could also enhance happiness, providing a sense of belonging and purpose 2.