Editor’s Note: The article contains reference to suicide. Statements in this column, originally published Jan. 20, 2025, have been corrected to reflect a more accurate interpretation of the source material.
Religious participation is dying, especially among young adults. Globally, adolescents are becoming less religious than their older counterparts according to Pew Research Center. If this trend continues, will religion eventually become obsolete?
Ultimately, we cannot allow this to happen. The benefits of having faith are unmatched, and to the modern college student, they’re essential.
In a chaotic, ever-changing world, faith is an important stabilizing force that helps create a sense of purpose, promotes physical well-being and provides ethical guidance.
It’s important to note that when I refer to faith here, I’m referring to belief in God; a belief that a higher power exists. I’m talking about spirituality and affiliation with a particular set of religious beliefs.
One of the most significant benefits of faith is its impact on physical and mental health. Physiologically, devotional prayer where individuals are focused on praising God has been found to lead to a state of relaxation characterized by a lower heart and breathing rate. Among adolescents, participation in nonreligious activities simply sponsored by religious organizations has also been linked to better overall physical health and less risk-taking behaviors.
In addition, several studies have suggested a relationship between religious participation and mental health. Believing that God will provide comfort helps ease stress and encourages mindfulness. The belief in an afterlife, for example, can provide reassurance during a time of grief.
Maybe you’ve experienced these emotional effects firsthand. Have you ever had one of those moments when you’re panicking, but a prayer or quote of scripture brings you a sense of peace? At a time like this, you feel reassured and grounded.
It’s no coincidence — the mental and physical benefits are real.
Relatedly, the United States is in a mental health crisis, and adolescents are experiencing some of the worst effects. Although youth have had relatively low rates of suicide historically, this has changed in recent decades. Each year, approximately 24,000 American college students attempt suicide.
Research suggests that religious affiliation does not necessarily reduce suicidal ideation but can prevent people from acting on suicidal ideas. Additionally, belief in God has also been linked to lower rates of depression. Of course, faith and spirituality are not perfect solutions to the mental health crisis, but they’re good starting points.
Not only is religion beneficial to health, but it often fosters a sense of community that can’t be found in many other places. Cru, The Muslim Student Association, Christians on Campus and Hindu YUVA are just a few of the organizations on NC State’s campus that bring students together to bond over their shared faith.
Almost all college students have times when they feel isolated, and religious groups can help create strong friendships and support networks in addition to a sense of belonging.
Moreover, many faith traditions emphasize serving others by volunteering and giving back to the community. People who are active in religious groups tend to be more civically engaged and happier overall.
Volunteering as a college student — whether that be anything from serving at food pantries to fundraising for a good cause — has benefits at both personal and social levels. Even aside from the broader impact it has on the community, volunteering is also valuable at a more personal level. It can boost self-esteem and create a sense of purpose.
Being away from home, taking difficult classes and balancing a social life isn’t always easy, so embracing religion whenever you can is an essential tool for navigating the modern college experience.
