Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy published an influential report indicating that the U.S. is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Sixty percent of adults report feeling lonely,and eight percent report not having any close friends.While a range of solutions have been proposed, many argue that religion could be the healing, connective elixir.Those advocating that religion could cure loneliness note it has often provided individuals with regular social contact and opportunities for engagement, support systems to help others in their times of need, and a sense of purpose that can counteract feelings of isolation and insignificance. Believing in a higher power may also, in a way, offer a sense of permanent, unconditional companionship.Those skeptical of promotingreligion as the answer argue that you don’t need religious institutions to foster connection — some find religion divisive overall and don’t buy into its organizing principles. They suggest that secular alternatives may be a better solution.Given this context, we explore the question: Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
QE Quarterback: Fed Sees ‘Through Wall Street’s Eyes’
28 November 2015
Javier E. David
This month marks the seventh anniversary of the Federal Reserve’s first round of quantitative easing the program that more than quadrupled the central bank’s balance sheet, sparking a debate over the limits of monetary policy.