A01=Johan Graafland
Author_Johan Graafland
Belief
Bible
Category=QRA
Category=QRM
Christian
Church
Data
Empirical research
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_nobargain
European Values Survey
Faith
Flourishing
forthcoming
Freedom
Greek philosophy
Happiness
Health
Religion
Secular
Theology
Virtues
Well-being
World Values Survey
Product details
- ISBN 9781041229100
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 13 Jul 2026
- Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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This book examines how faith and happiness intersect. It reflects on why religion and happiness are positively related, and why believers are often shown to be happier than non-believers. The author provides an overview of existing literature on religion and happiness and draws on in-depth empirical research. The chapters touch on questions such as: Which aspects of religion are related to happiness? What factors moderate the relationship between religion and happiness? Under which conditions is the relationship stronger or weaker? The book also investigates whether and how the empirical findings of happiness research are relevant from a theological perspective. It asks why Christians might be skeptical about the relationship between faith and happiness, and whether this perception is rooted in the Bible texts and the church tradition. The author considers the implications of the research for those (believers and non-believers) who live in a society where happiness is often seen as the highest value, and what lessons churches can learn from the results. This book is relevant for a broad audience of theologians, sociologists, psychologists, and more generally, academics who are interested in the relationship between religion and happiness.
Johan Graafland is a full professor in Economics, Business and Ethics at Tilburg University, the Netherlands. An economist and theologian, he specializes in economic ethics, corporate social responsibility, and the relationship between religion and economics and business.
