Numerous studies have found a correlation between spiritual beliefs and longevity.  Thus spiritual life is the final additional factor that we are considering along with anti aging diets.  In retrospective studies that stratified individuals by their frequency of attending religious services, the higher the attendance the lower the death rate.  In some retrospective studies, the impact of spiritual belief on longevity was greater than the impact of smoking or regular exercise.  These results have been challenged, but even after other factors are controlled for, such as ones sex, lifestyle, and diet, the data strongly indicate that people’s spiritual life positively impacts their longevity.  So you would be wise to increase your diet of spiritual things.

There are numerous hypotheses why this is so.  Suggesting that a more healthy lifestyle (better diet, less smoking and drug use) or that the quality or quantity of relationships are the cause seems to be lacking in that these factors can be controlled for in retrospective studies.  A more likely explanation may be related to the positive emotions and less stress that result from a person’s abiding belief in a God who cares for His people and controls the events in their lives for their good.

So where do we start in this regard?  Those who possess religious values and are serious about their spiritual life probably do not find the above revelations all that surprising.  Those who are ambivalent or even religiously hostile might consider these facts to be unimportant or even poppycock.  Given this diversity of religious belief, how do we get a handle on truth?

This issue takes us back to the "What is Truth?" posting.  Truth is not based on what I believe or what you believe or what most people believe, or even what the brightest scientists believe.  Religious truth is not established by anecdotes or scientific data.  But there are two generalized areas that point to the existence of God.

• We exist and the universe contains a vast amount of information.  The progenitor of all of this is God.
• If the Biblical account of Jesus of Nazareth is true, then He was crucified, dead, and buried and on the third day rose again; this substantiates His claims of deity.

It is up to you to decide, but do not too quickly dismiss Jesus Christ’s claim to be God.  Dust off your Bible, or if you don’t have a Bible, buy one listed below.  Read John 3 three times, each time asking God to open your eyes, heart, and mind to His truth.  Peruse the other books below and find one that addresses the concerns or questions that you have.  Find and attend a church that believes the Bible, teaches it, and displays God’s love. 

 Below are a number of hyper-linked images that provide further materials on spiritual life.

	The #1 Best-selling study Bible in the best-selling NIV translation. Study features have been fully revised and updated. Over 20,000 in-text study notes, a library of study resources at your fingertips. Like no other Bible, the Zondervan NIV Study Bible , places an entire resource library for Bible study in your hands. Over 6 million people have made it their study Bible of choice. Make it yours as well. It’s one choice you’ll always be glad you made. LEARN MORE
	The majestic language of the King James Version combined with over 20,000 notes and an abundance of study tools reflecting the forefront of conservative scholarship, this Bible is a veritable resource library designed to help you grasp the Scriptures like never before. It’s packed with theological, archaeological, historical, geographical, cultural, and linguistic information. Simply put, it’s the ultimate King James study Bible. LEARN MORE
	If you have deep and honest questions about Christianity and are willing to think deeply about issues surrounding Christian faith, then this book if for you.  It brings together Lewis’s legendary radio broadcast talks in which he set out simply "to explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times". Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations, "Mere Christianity" is Lewis’s term for the essential Christian message–the theological core on which diverse Christian traditions can stand together. LEARN MORE
	Simple yet comprehensive, Bruce & Stan’s "RM" Guide to the Creation vs. Evolution Debate offers a wise and witty discussion of the scientific difficulties with the theory of evolution: modern scientific evidence pointing to creation and intelligent design; the Christian approach to science; how Genesis relates to the latest scientific findings; and how all these areas affect how we live our daily lives. This helpful guide will challenge readers to think clearly and critically about the facts and opinions of science and how they impact our understanding of the Bible. LEARN MORE
	Finally, a readable, understandable book that explains theological concepts and brings them into focus for everyday living. In his most recent book, Dr. Frank Moore covers the spectrum of theological concepts and brings it by the "digestible" handfuls into your living room. Don’t be turned off by the word theology. Dr. Moore has left all the big words in the fat books. LEARN MORE
	Provides a health plan based on the Bible, offering a holistic approach to good health. LEARN MORE