People who attend Sunday worship not only feel better during the time they are in church, but they are happier throughout the week than non-churchgoers, according to two new studies. The explanation for the happiness gap goes beyond the finding that non-churchgoers spend more time in passive activities such as watching TV and less time with family and friends in social situations. Spending time in social rituals that reinforce their faith also seems to provide individuals with meaning and positive coping skills that contribute to better mental health.

The multibillion dollar gambling industry keeps racking up political victories as states expand lotteries and make way for casinos in the hopes of raising revenue that do not require tax hikes. However, efforts to oppose the personal and social ills of gambling by religious groups have not been in vain, according to a developing body of research. People who attend church regularly and have a high percentage of close friends in the congregation are among the least likely Americans to have gambling problems, according to a new study on religion and gambling among U.S. adults.