Global Quality of Life Comparisons – Summary

Teleios Research evaluated the top one-third of all countries (n=63) for gross domestic product (GDP) and divided them between historically Christian countries (i.e., Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant) versus other religions or secular, to determine differences in select published indexes that might affect individual quality of life.

The review found a number of significantly better index measures in Christian countries compared to non-Christian countries including (Christian country average given first in each case): average GDP per person ($23,323 versus $7,107), Numbeo Pollution Index (49 versus 71), Cato Institute of Human Freedom Index (7.6 versus 6.4), World Press Freedom index (25 versus 46), Gallup Well-being Index (28 versus 19), corruption index (55 versus 39), Global Entrepreneurship Index (44 versus 29), and rule of law index (0.7 versus 0.5; P<0.0001). In contrast, no differences were observed in average GDP, unemployment rate, the percent living in poverty, or the Economic Freedom Index (P>0.05).

The reason historically Christian countries scored so well on the majority of these indexes were not a part of our study but the authors speculate that the emphasis of Christianity on honesty, caring for one’s neighbor, work and responsibility for family, church and neighbors as well as the grace to salvation from a loving God might help to build a society with the more positive characteristics observed in the study. Nonetheless, more research is required to further understand the differences seen in this report.

This study showed that historically Christian countries demonstrate numerous index measures that are better than non-Christian countries including: corruption, pollution, press freedom, human freedom, GDP/person, corruption, rule of law, entrepreneurship and well-being; that might impact a person’s quality of life.

WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson

About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.