Carol Platt Liebau: Towards a Happier, More Fulfilling Life

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

It’s an age-old question: God or Mammon? What leads to a happier, more fulfilling life — religion, or money? Now, it seems we have an answer. According to the General Social Survey, church attendance predicts happiness more strongly than wealth does.

In fact, poor Americans who attend church regularly are happier than wealthy Americans who never attend at all.

Prominent behavioral scientist William von Hippel has observed, “Money buys a fair bit of happiness, but connection gives you more bang for the buck.”

He’s right. But let’s be clear about what “connection” really means.

It matters to connect with friends and neighbors — and church offers the opportunity to do that every week, and often more.

But more important still is our connection to God: our Father, our Creator, and the source of every good and lasting bond.

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