You say faith makes us happy – but what is it?

How do faith and religious beliefs impact people’s outlook on life and their overall happiness? Last week WHYY’s behavioral health reporter Maiken Scott and psychologist Dan Gottlieb discussed new research on this topic. They got many responses from people who are atheists and felt that this kind of research is nonsense. So this week they explore what Dan meant when he said “faith.”

Your thoughts: Dr. Dan Gottlieb suggests that faith in science and faith in a higher power may not be so far apart, because both indicate a desire to live in an organized world. Taken in this light, what role do you think faith can play in therapy—or in scientific pursuit generally? Do you think, as one reader suggests, that religion and faith have no place in science? Comment below.