Items of interest from various sources of religious news and opinion, in print and on the web.
Prayer Actually Works—Who Knew? An essay in RealClearReligion argues that the evidence for the benefits of prayer is both spiritual and scientific. Setting aside the obvious benefits of God answering your prayers, studies consistently show that the mere practice of regular prayer reduces stress, loneliness, and fear, while fostering longer life expectancy, stronger community ties, and deeper happiness. Yet prayer is declining in America, with only 44 percent reporting daily practice, down from 58 percent in 2007. Author Andrew Fowler connects this decline with rising anxiety and depression among young people, who often embrace shallow “moral therapeutic deism” rather than genuine faith. In contrast, many Gen Z and millennials are rediscovering the value of prayer, flocking to churches for meaning and stability. Fowler, Andrew. “Prayer Works, According to Science.” Research. RealClearReligion, 5 Sept. 2025. Web. 20 Sept. 2025.
Rise of the “Deathbot.” When an AI-generated video of deceased rock star Ozzy Osbourne was shown at a Rod Stewart concert last summer, an ethical outcry resulted. This led to a report in The Guardian about the related subject of “digital resurrection,” where AI recreates deceased loved ones as interactive avatars or chatbots. Advocates say such technology provides comfort and connection, while critics call it exploitative, eerie, or even dangerous—blurring the line between memory and simulation, and short-circuiting the grieving process. Yet interest is growing: a 2023 YouGov poll found that 14 percent of respondents would welcome interacting with a “deathbot.” Sherwood, Harriet. “Digital Resurrection: Fascination and Fear over the Rise of the Deathbot.” Sunday Read. The Guardian, 10 Aug. 2025. Web. 20 Sept. 2025.
Four Decades of Data: Faith and Mental Health. In Psychology Today, P. Scott Richards reviews 40 years of research on the link between religious involvement and mental health. Pioneering scholar Harold Koenig of Duke University has shown that prayer, worship, and spiritual practice consistently predict lower rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse. At the same time, religious participation is tied to greater optimism, forgiveness, gratitude, social support, and marital stability. Richards, P. Scott. “40 Years of Research About Religious Involvement.” Religion. Psychology Today, 16 Aug. 2025. Web. 20 Sept. 2025.