Last Tuesday, March 25, Professor Ilana Horowitz of Tulane University delivered a powerful devotional addressing the benefits of religious devotion. Not only does religious devotion benefit us spiritually, but Horowitz’s research also shows that it benefits us academically. Horowitz spent 10 years studying 3000 teenagers throughout their public school and college years. Those who were “Abiders” (people fiercely dedicated to their faith) did exceptionally well throughout their public school education and were most likely to finish college.
Horowitz expands, saying, “Your religious commitment may have already helped you get here by providing the discipline, the structure, and access to social networks that boosted your grades in high school. And as it turns out, those very same commitments might be exactly what you need to cross that finish line to graduation.” Religious structure teaches young children and teens the habits and resilience necessary for success as young adults. Horowitz shares her own experience of losing her father at a young age and the Jewish community immediately coming to her family for support and companionship. Stories like this help the next generation learn to outlast grief and difficulty, inculcating emotional habits that serve us in every aspect of our lives.
Horowitz puts into words an idea that most BYU students constantly explain once they’ve left the BYU Bubble: “Religion and education are not in competition, but are complementary.” We are all accustomed to the mocking and taunting of people who try to tell us our religion is a waste of time. It was refreshing to hear someone of a different faith, with over 10 years of research, affirm something we already knew: our religious dedication is anything but a waste. It has paid us back in more ways than one. “The values that you’ve grown up with: kindness, service, self-discipline, aren’t just abstract virtues. They are forces that shape real educational outcomes. As you move forward, I encourage you to reflect upon how your religious upbringing has shaped you–not just spiritually, but socially and academically.”
Our motto at BYU is “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” The greatest service we can offer is to share the beliefs and benefits of our Gospel doctrine and principles. Not only does this bring us all closer to our Savior, it teaches us invaluable skills for success throughout our entire life.
Written by: Emma Marcois Wilson
Senior Contributor at the Cougar Chronicle
The Cougar Chronicle is an independent student-run newspaper and is not affiliated with Brigham Young University or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Cover Photo: https://x.com/horwitzilana
