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    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 promoting religion 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?
    
    Friday, February 21, 2025
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The Preventive Turn in Health-Care Reform

Monday, August 2, 2010

By Paul Starr

Paul Starr, American Prospect, August 2, 2010

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Upcoming Debates

Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?

With Dan Barker, Harold Koenig, Chris Murphy, Ruth Whippman

10:00 AM | Friday, February 21, 2025

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…

Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?

With Dan Barker, Harold Koenig, Chris Murphy, Ruth Whippman

10:00 AM | Friday, February 21, 2025

Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?

With Jennifer Hillman, Rana Mitter, Stephen Moore, Scott Paul

10:00 AM | Friday, February 28, 2025

Live Debate in D.C. President Trump recently enacted a ten percent additional tariff on Chinese imports, citing the need to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States and to address the substantial trade imbalance between the two nations. In response, China announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports, including a fifteen percent levy on coal and liquefied natural gas and a ten percent tariff on crude oil, automobiles, and agricultural machinery. Those affirming the tariffs are necessary argue they…

Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?

With Jennifer Hillman, Rana Mitter, Stephen Moore, Scott Paul

10:00 AM | Friday, February 28, 2025

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The Preventive Turn in Health-Care Reform

Upcoming Debates

Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?

Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?

Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?

Was Trump Right to Increase Tariffs on Chinese Imports?

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