Patrick F. Fagan

Patrick F. Fagan is a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington, D.C.-based think tank. He previously worked in the federal Department of Health and Human Services and as a family therapist and sociologist. In the following viewpoint, he argues that the practice of religion in the United States is both an individual and social good that has numerous positive effects in countering social problems such as family breakdown, substance abuse, and welfare dependency. People who practice religion, Fagan claims, are more likely to have strong families, to have higher self-esteem, and to be good citizens. He concludes that makers of public policy should acknowledge the beneficial aspects of religion.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the relationship between religion and mental health...