Influence Of Religious Beliefs Research Articles

The Impact of Religious Beliefs on Early Lactation in Israeli Mothers.

Objective: To explore the influence of religious beliefs and faith on breastfeeding initiation among mothers in Israel. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted from February 2022 to July 2023 at Bnai Zion Medical Center (located in Haifa district) and Laniado hospital (located in Netanya, Sharon plain), included mothers and their partners who voluntarily completed questionnaires. The survey, comprising 26 questions, delves into religion, faith, religiosity, and infant feeding approaches, while considering various socioeconomic and health-related factors. Results: Religious and secular mothers exhibited a higher inclination toward exclusive breastfeeding compared with the traditional mothers (p < 0.001). Notably, more maternal education years were associated with more exclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.32; p = 0.017). However, older age of youngest sibling (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.32-0.98; p = 0.041), cesarean delivery (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.94; p = 0.023), and no desire to breastfeed during pregnancy (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57-0.80; p < 0.001) emerged as significant factors decreasing exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The study indicates that the level of religiosity and prenatal intention to breastfeed impact breastfeeding practices, along with maternal education, age of the youngest sibling, and delivery mode. These insights provide valuable guidance for initiatives aimed at boosting breastfeeding rates, particularly in sectors where rates are comparatively low.

Understanding hijab-wearing behaviour among female university students: an empirical examination of cultural influence, family influence, and personal preference

ABSTRACT The study aims to examine the impact of cultural influence, family influence and personal preference on hijab-wearing behaviour among female university students. By employing convenience sampling, a sample of 350 students from two large public sector universities was selected. Data were collected through a well-structured cross-sectional survey having items assessing cultural, family influences and personal preference, as well as hijab-wearing behaviour. SmartPLS-4 software was used to test the study hypotheses. The results showed that cultural influence and family influence along with personal preference have a significantly positive impact on hijab-wearing behaviour. The study highlights the importance of cultural and familial influences and personal preference in determining hijab-wearing behaviour among female university students. It suggests further research to examine potential mediating and moderating factors, as well as the influence of religious beliefs and peer pressure. Practical implications for educators, policymakers, and religious leaders are also discussed.

The influence of religion or religious beliefs on parenting practices: a systematic review

ABSTRACT In today’s society, one will find a variety of parenting practices that might be imbedded in the parent’s religious beliefs. However, little research has been done on the influences of religious beliefs on parenting practices. The aim of this paper was to systematically examine whether religion or religious beliefs influence parenting practices. The study engaged in a systematic review methodology that objectively analysed the studies dealing with the issue. The findings of the study revealed that the influence of religious beliefs on parenting practices has both a positive and negative impact on the children and the family as a whole.

Can Religion Explain Cross‐Country Differences in Financial Development? A Global Perspective

Motivated by the limited evidence on the influence of religious beliefs on financial development in the current literature, this article aims to provide significant empirical evidence on the relationship between the two variables. In particular, we examine whether major religious beliefs (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism) have an impact on financial development globally. Using data for 82 developing and developed countries from 1975 to 2015 and controlling for income, openness and polity, our results show significant influence of religion on financial development. In particular, we found that Christianity and Islam have negative impact on financial development, while the impact of Judaism on financial development is positive. In addition, a weak positive effect of Buddhism on financial is also found from the results. This article has also found evidence that the effect of religion varies among different economies characterized by religious diversity. Our findings are robust to different measures of financial development and religious sub‐groups as well as alternative estimators that take care of endogeneity.

Exploring the Interplay between Religion, Health, and Subjective Well-Being in Turkey

Religion, a primary part of human life, has long been granted as an influential drive shaping individuals' beliefs, values, and behaviors. It permeates numerous aspects of life, granting support, guidance, and a sense of purpose to billions of adherents around the world. This paper investigates the intricate link between subjective well-being and religion by focusing on the influence of religious beliefs and practices on happiness, life satisfaction, and subjective health outcomes. While previous findings have provided inconsistent evidence about this relationship, most of it has been conducted in Western and Judeo-Christian contexts. Even though there are few studies addressing religion and subjective well-being in Turkey this study presents a different perspective by surveying national-level data from Turkey. Existing literature on religion and subjective well-being presents a divided narrative; while some studies suggest that religion positively affects well-being, others claim that it has negative or neutral effects. However, this paper enhances the existing literature by exploring these relationships within the framework of Islamic beliefs and practices examining how religious beliefs and practices influence subjective well-being outcomes in the Muslim framework. The study analyzes subjective well-being, including happiness and life satisfaction, in both cognitive and emotional dimensions. It also explores the connections between religion and subjective mental and physical health investigating the possible moderating effect of religion on Subjective wellbeing and health outcomes. First, it explores the moderating role of religion in the association of subjective well-being and subjective health. In addition, from an Islamic viewpoint, this study focuses on the multiple dimensions of religiosity in a Muslim-populated nation where religious membership and participation concepts vary from Western Christian societies. Islamic beliefs emphasize the importance of living a disciplined and devoted life by focusing on inner virtues and moral behavior. Islam advances a perception of happiness that transcends hedonism and highlights eudaimonic well-being by prioritizing the hereafter over worldly pleasures. The impact of religion on the well-being of Turkey, which has a unique cultural and political structure, is complex. This dichotomy of being secular and religious at the same time allows for significant religious differences, making Turkey an interesting subject of study. The research uses a series of hypotheses exploring the links between religion, happiness, life satisfaction, and health. Its aim is to reveal the relationships between these variables and to determine how religiosity directs these relationships. In addition, the research also investigates how subjective well-being results differ depending on the level of religiosity in Turkey. The data of this study are based on the well-known World Values Survey (WVS) 2012. Three dependent variables were used in the study: happiness, life satisfaction, and subjective health. Three religious determinants measure religious beliefs and practices, and a set of control variables accounts for sociodemographic factors. The findings of this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex interaction between religion and health and well-being in different cultural and religious settings. The results present a series of multinomial logistic regression models designed to explore the relationships between independent variables and dependent outcomes. These models discover complex patterns in the data and offer insights into direct and indirect effects, as well as the moderating role of religion in mental health outcomes.

Understanding Media Functions Through Belief into Action Scale: A Case of Islamabad-based Pakistani News Reporters

The current research focused on exploring the inclination of Islamabad-based news reporters to get influenced by their religious beliefs while performing different media functions of civic, service, loyal-facilitator, disseminator-interventionist, watchdog, and infotainment as part of their professional roles. The study adopted the “Belief into Action Scale to deploy a quantitative cross-sectional survey and collected data from 310 news reporters serving in various print and electronic media organizations in the Federal Capital. The findings of the study revealed that the influence of religious beliefs varied between gender groups, with male news reporters being more influenced than their female counterparts. Similarly, older news reporters were more influenced by religious beliefs as compared to younger colleagues. Moreover, this influence also varied among the news reporters performing different media functions, with Loyal-Facilitators, Disseminator-Interventionists, and the ones who performed service and civic roles scoring higher on the variable of Religious Beliefs and Practices.

A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Role of Religion in Public Policy

This comprehensive literature review explores the intricate and multifaceted relationship between religion and public policy. Drawing from an extensive body of scholarly works, this review critically analyzes the influence of religious beliefs, institutions, and actors on the formulation and implementation of public policies across various societies and historical contexts. It examines the evolving dynamics of this relationship, delves into key theoretical frameworks, and assesses empirical findings to elucidate the complex interplay between religion, politics, and policy-making. By synthesizing existing research, this article offers insights into the enduring debates, controversies, and nuances surrounding the role of religion in shaping public policies and contributes to a deeper understanding of this pivotal intersection in the modern world.

The Influence of Religion on Loneliness in Modern Society

This article explores the issue of the influence of religion on loneliness in modern society. Religion, as a social and cultural phenomenon, plays an important role in the formation of interpersonal connections and social support. But what are the specific mechanisms through which religion influences feelings of loneliness? The article analyzes the role of social networks and communities associated with religion, their ability to provide support, community and meaning in life. The influence of religious beliefs on the formation of moral attitudes that promote close interpersonal connections and reduce loneliness is also examined. The article also discusses specific aspects of the influence of different religions on loneliness. Religious practices such as prayer, ceremonies, and rituals can help relieve loneliness by facilitating a sense of connection with a higher power or entity. However, in the context of different cultural and social contexts, some religious communities may introduce additional pressures and stigma that may increase loneliness. In summary, the article emphasizes that the role of religion in the perception of loneliness is complex and multifaceted. To better understand these relationships, specific cultural, social and individual contexts need to be taken into account. Further research in this area will help to more fully uncover the influence of religion on loneliness and develop appropriate approaches to address this problem in society.

The importance of community-specific survey data in understanding behavioral and social drivers of COVID-19 vaccination: Lessons learned from urban neighborhoods in four United States cities

This descriptive study examined patterns and trends in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination rates and drivers among people living, working, or socializing in urban neighborhoods of predominantly Black and Hispanic communities and compared them with the results of two national surveys. Data for these communities came from a routine survey conducted as part of the Equity-first Vaccination Initiative (EVI) in urban neighborhoods within four United States (U.S.) cities during four phases of the pandemic between July 2021 and April 2022. Our sample included 5,970 responses, which were weighted to account for design effects and compositional differences among surveyed people across the four periods. We wanted to compare the results from the EVI survey to nationally representative surveys, therefore, we did not demographically weight the sample to look like the national surveys. As a result, the EVI survey included larger proportions of people identifying with non-white racial and ethnic groups than those groups’ proportions of the national population per the last U.S. Census (African American or Black: 49.8% vs. 13.7%, Hispanic or Latino/Latinx 36.5% vs. 18.9%, respectively). More EVI respondents reported concern about vaccines and fewer reported trust in COVID-19 information key messengers than national averages. The EVI survey found variation in the proportions as well as the magnitude and directionality of increases or decreases in beliefs about vaccination safety and effectiveness, the influence of religious beliefs, and intentions to get vaccinated. These differences highlight the granular insight that community-specific data can help better tailor interventions to communities disproportionately impacted by disease.

Educational and Socio-cultural Factors Influencing the Growth of Entrepreneurial Activities in Khartoum State, Sudan

The goal of this article is to explore the educational and socio-cultural factors which influence the growth of entrepreneurial activities in Khartoum locality, Khartoum State, Sudan. The research was conducted on a sample of 400 national potential entrepreneurs, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal interviews. Respondents are asked 43 questions to assess their perception of the main factors influencing the growth of entrepreneurial activities. The study adopted an analytical descriptive methodology whereby the data were processed by the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Percentages, frequencies, and hypothesis tests were used to analyze data. The study revealed that it’s important for entrepreneurs to have the necessary knowledge, entrepreneurial potential, skills, and creative ideas in turn to contribute to the development of entrepreneurial activities. Also, entrepreneurs must have administrative practical, and technical capabilities in their field. Entrepreneurship culture should be included in the academic curricula of universities. Entrepreneurial activities must be consistent with the values and beliefs of the community members because the spread of entrepreneurial culture among community members contributes to the development of entrepreneurial activities. The study recommends that there must be educational institutions that provide the necessary information the entrepreneurs need and that entrepreneurship should be included in universities’ curricula. Spreading the culture of entrepreneurship among community members through training workshops, training courses and the media in general will enhance entrepreneurial activities. When considering entrepreneurship training it is important to put into account the influence of religious beliefs and tribal differences between society components which may affect entrepreneurial activities.

Palestinians and Israelis believe the other's God encourages intergroup benevolence: A case of positive intergroup meta-perceptions

How does religious belief influence intergroup conflict? Research addressing this question generally focuses on how individuals' own beliefs influence intergroup behavior. However, intergroup cooperation may also be influenced by second-order beliefs; in this case, perceptions about how outgroup members' religious beliefs influence their intergroup behavior. Indeed, across different domains, intergroup conflict is often driven by inaccurate and negative intergroup perceptions and predictions. If true of religion, such negatively biased predictions may independently hinder intergroup cooperation by reducing the extent to which individuals see religious outgroup members as cooperative partners. Contrary to this hypothesis, three preregistered studies (N = 1081) provide consistent evidence that Palestinians and Israelis predict that belief in God motivates outgroup members to give more money in intergroup exchanges (Studies 1 and 2) and to place a greater value on outgroup members' lives (Study 3). Results have important implications for policymakers' and the public's understanding of religion's role in intergroup relations.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CAPITALISM: MAX WEBER AND MILTON FRIEDMAN

Purpose- The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," and Milton Friedman's influential book, "Capitalism and Freedom," offer valuable insights into the intricate relationship between religion, capitalism, and the development of Western societies. Weber's analysis focuses on the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the evolution of capitalism, particularly examining the influence of religious beliefs, such as Protestantism. He argues that the Protestant work ethic, emphasizing hard work, thrift, and the pursuit of wealth, played a significant role in fostering capitalism. On the other hand, Friedman, an economist and advocate of classical liberal economics, explores the advantages of free-market capitalism and emphasizes limited government intervention in the economy. While acknowledging the historical impact of religion, Friedman primarily addresses the economic principles of capitalism and its relationship with political freedom. Weber's work draws upon historical research and sociological insights, while Friedman relies on economic theory and empirical analysis. Ultimately, Weber's analysis provides a deeper understanding of how Western societies adopted a capitalist work ethos, while Friedman's "Capitalism and Freedom" promotes a laissez-faire approach to economic policy, advocating for limited government intervention and the benefits of free markets. Methodology- Methodology employed in this study centers around conducting a discourse analysis of Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" and Milton Friedman's "Capitalism and Freedom." The aim was to deconstruct the narratives presented in these influential books and analyze their respective perspectives on the relationship between religion, capitalism, and freedom. The primary methodological approach involved a close reading and critical examination of the texts, through which the ideas, arguments, and underlying assumptions put forth by Weber and Friedman were explored. By thoroughly engaging with the content of the books, a comprehensive understanding of the authors' viewpoints and the nuances of their arguments was sought. Additionally, comparative analysis techniques were employed to identify similarities and differences in the approaches taken by Weber and Friedman. Through this comparative approach, the distinctive aspects of their theories were highlighted, and the broader discourse surrounding religion, capitalism, and freedom in Western societies was illuminated.. Findings- According to Max Weber, the Protestant Reformation, with a specific focus on Calvinism, was instrumental in promoting values and behaviors that nurtured the capitalist spirit. The Protestant work ethic, emphasizing hard work, thrift, and the pursuit of wealth, created an environment conducive to the rise of capitalism. Milton Friedman primarily explores the economic principles of capitalism and their relationship with political freedom. It is argued by Friedman that economic freedom is a necessary condition for achieving civil and political freedom. Emphasis is placed on the detrimental effects of excessive government intervention, and advocacy is made for limited state control and free-market capitalism. Friedman believes that a competitive capitalist system, characterized by voluntary cooperation and individual initiative, can prevent the concentration of coercive political power. It is posited by him that economic arrangements, based on free markets and individual freedom, are crucial for the overall promotion of a free society. Conclusion- Both studies are unique in their own ways and contribute to original ideas on what capitalism ought to be. Weber compared to Friedman has a profound insight in how capitalism has grown from specific cultural and religious values. Friedman struggles with explaining how capitalism might have risen, but relies heavily on classic liberal ideas on how capitalism must be perceived to be a necessity for political freedoms. Keywords: Capitalism, protestant ethic, economic freedom, political freedom, hard work, discipline, free market JEL Codes: B1, B2, P4, Z1

Death Anxiety in the Context of Religion, Personality and Life Meanings.

Previous studies on the context between death anxiety and religion do not provide any clear evidence regarding "anxiety buffer" function. In this explorative study, death anxiety and attitude to death were determined in the context of mood, personality and meaning of life among groups of Muslims (n = 60) and Christian Protestants (n = 60). Death anxiety and attitude to death were assessed using the Bochum questionnaire for recording death anxiety and attitudes to death. Death anxiety was mild to moderate in our healthy Participants of Muslim and Christian faith. Attitude towards death was therefore much more pronounced among Muslim members than Christians. The influence of religious beliefs on the fear of death does not appear to be direct and linear. Sources that provide meaning in life and emotional stability can contribute to a reduction in death anxiety and a less problematic attitude towards death.

Religion, Culture, and Politics: Analyzing the Influence of Religious Beliefs on Sociopolitical Dynamics

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics in Sub Saharan countries.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.&#x0D; Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics in Sub Saharan countries. The empirical review revealed that the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics is a significant and complex phenomenon, as evidenced by the empirical studies reviewed. Religious beliefs have been found to shape political participation, attitudes toward gender roles, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, social activism, and environmental attitudes. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between religion and sociopolitical dynamics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, religious leaders, and society as a whole.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Keywords: The Secularization theory, Resource Mobilization theory and the Political Theology theory may be used to anchor future studies relating to the influence of religious beliefs on sociopolitical dynamics. This study recommends that by fostering interreligious dialogue, promoting human rights and equality, encouraging critical thinking and education, enhancing collaboration between religious and secular institutions, and supporting grassroots initiatives, societies can navigate the complexities of religious beliefs and create sociopolitical dynamics that embrace diversity and foster social progress.

Shaping individual paths for decision-making: a fuzzy set approach of religious and humanistic beliefs leading to the (non)acceptance of euthanasia

PurposeWhile the influence of individual beliefs on decision-making has been widely acknowledged, the interaction of different types of beliefs remains an under-researched topic. This study analyses how the simultaneous influence of religious beliefs and nonreligious beliefs shapes individual decision-making. This study aims to contribute to inform organizational decisions on topics potentially associated with these two types of beliefs, including corporate social responsibility matters. This study also aims to provide insights to ethical decision-making in situations of absence of social consensus, a subject that is relevant for individuals, organizations and policymakers.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to identify how different configurational groupings of Christian beliefs and humanistic beliefs lead to the acceptance or nonacceptance of euthanasia in a sample of individuals who identify as Catholic.FindingsAmong individuals sharing a Catholic religious affiliation, the authors identify three different configurations of beliefs – Cultural Catholics (religious beliefs are absent and humanistic beliefs are present), Observant Catholics (religious beliefs are present and humanistic beliefs are irrelevant) and Secular Catholics (both religious beliefs and humanistic beliefs are present).Originality/valuePrevious research has put forward the role of religion-related variables, such as religious affiliation and level of religiosity, for views on euthanasia. This study provides a more detailed analysis of the role of belief systems, identifying how different configurational groupings of beliefs lead to a decision grounded in moral and ethical considerations but for which there is an absence of social consensus.

What are Chinese University students’ Views on The LGBT Community and The Responsibility of Educational Leaders to Teach LGBT Issues in Schools?

As a subculture, the LGBT community is characterized by its independence from mainstream culture (Ye, 2018). The existence of the LGBT community as a phenomenon has a long history. However, due to the influence of religious beliefs and mainstream culture, LGBT groups are consciously screened and marginalized in China (Tang &amp; Sun, 2014). The topic of LGBT groups on campus has brought many obstacles to the existing higher education management in China (Qu, 2015). The purpose of this study is to understand the cognition and attitude of Chinese college students towards the LGBT community, understand the characteristics and rules of the LGBT community, and enhance the pertinence and scientific nature of the guidance and management of university leaders. In this paper, the researcher will report on the exploratory research to better understand the current attitudes of Chinese college students toward the LGBT community and highlight the responsibility of school leaders when dealing with people who identify with LGBT issues. The setting for this research will be Chinese universities. Therefore, all participants will be Chinese university students. The first data will be collected through interviews. This study aims to improve the educational environment for LGBT people in Chinese universities and explore the responsibilities that Chinese school leaders should assume.

The Effect of Folk Belief on Social Trust: The Mediating Role of Social Support and the Sense of Identity

Although the influential factors of social trust have aroused heated discussion, the research on the influence of religious belief, especially Chinese folk belief, on social trust and the mechanism between the two is relatively insufficient. This study aims to explore the influence of folk beliefs on Chinese residents’ social trust and the mediating role of social support and the sense of identity. The empirical analysis of 23,823 Chinese residents shows that there is a significant positive correlation between folk belief and social trust. Social support and a sense of identity play a mediating role between folk beliefs and residents’ social trust. People with folk beliefs can significantly promote their social trust by improving their degree of social support and their sense of identity. In addition, the influence of folk belief on the social trust of residents in eastern, northern China and rural areas is more significant, showing regional and registered residence heterogeneity. Therefore, we should correctly interpret and popularize the core spirit and social and cultural significance of folk belief to form a bond of social trust. At the same time, folk beliefs can be returned to the people, which will help people find a sense of belonging and sense of identity and enhance their social trust.

The influence of religious beliefs on the expectations of individual social class mobility

PurposeThis paper examines the in-depth relationship between religious beliefs and individual social class mobility expectations in China.Design/methodology/approachThe data used in this article are mainly from the China Comprehensive Social Survey in 2010 (CGSS2010). Compared with other years' CGSS data, CGSS2010 includes a module on religious topics, and the questionnaire information related to religion is more comprehensive and suitable for in-depth analysis.FindingsThe results show that religious beliefs have a significant positive impact on personal social class mobility expectations. Based on the principle of diminishing marginal returns on capital, the positive impact of religious belief on the expectation of individual social class mobility is more significant in groups with nonagricultural household registration, higher education level, older age and better family background conditions. However, with the further improvement of family background conditions, this positive impact begins to weaken. In addition, possible channels of action include prejudice effects, psychological effects, individual capital effects and social capital effects. The results of other effects are positive except for the prejudice effect. Overall, religious beliefs, as one of the important components of contemporary Chinese culture, have a positive significance for the “Chinese Dream”.Originality/valueThere is also little literature globally that provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between religion and economic development. Studies have led to an understanding of the relationship between religious beliefs and individual social class mobility expectations. But it is unclear whether theories developed based on Western spiritual experience will be applicable to China or not. The authors have tested for China.

'The wife should do as her husband advises': Understanding factors influencing contraceptive use decision making among married Pakistani couples-Qualitative study.

This paper explores the perceptions and attitudes of married couples which prevent them from using modern contraceptive for purpose of family planning, based on semi-structured interviews with 16 married couples from rural Pakistan. This study, with married couples, not using any modern contraceptives, discussed issues of spousal communication and religious norms using qualitative methods. Despite near universal knowledge of modern contraceptives among married Pakistani women, the use continues to be low, with high unmet need. Understanding the couple context about reproductive decision making, pregnancy and family planning intentions is imperative to helping individuals fulfil their reproductive desires. Married couples may have varying intentions and desires about family size; a lack of alignment between partners may lead to unintended pregnancies and affect uptake and use of contraception. This study specifically explored the factors which prevent married couples from using LARCs for family planning, despite their availability, at affordable prices in the study area of rural Islamabad, Pakistan. Findings show differences between concordant and discordant couples regarding desired family size, contraceptive communication and influence of religious beliefs. Understanding the role that male partners play in family planning and use of contraceptives is important in preventing unintended pregnancies and improving service delivery programmes. This study also helped identify the challenges married couples, particularly men have in understanding family planning and contraceptive use. The results also show that while men's participation in family planning decision making is limited, there is also a lack of programs and interventions for Pakistani men. The study findings can support development of appropriate strategies and implementation plans.

How Does Religious Belief Affect Happiness of Older Adults: The Participation Effect and Support Effect

Religion can influence the realization of happiness in older adults. However, the relationship between religious belief and happiness of older adults and its mechanisms are not very clear. Using 5177 individuals aged ≥ 60 years in China for empirical analysis, the results show that there is a significant positive relationship between religious belief and older adults’ happiness. The frequency of religious participation has a significantly moderating effect on the relationship between institutional religious affiliation and happiness; participation has an effect on happiness for those involved in institutional religion, but not an affect for those with diffused beliefs, which reflects the participation effect. Social support plays a mediating role between religious belief and older adults’ happiness. People with religious beliefs are more likely to form social relationships and gain social support from religious members and groups to improve their happiness, which reflects the support effect. In addition, the influence of religious belief on happiness with low socioeconomic status is more significant, and the influence in rural areas is also more significant, showing the heterogeneity of individual socioeconomic status and registered residence. The freedom of older adult-religious believers to participate in the legal activities of religious organizations should be fully guaranteed. The religious faith of older adults in the process of active aging should be given attention.