The Faith-Based Case for Making Men’s Health a Priority

Dear Healthy Men: I’m a member of a group of religious leaders from a wide range of faiths. I’m trying to get the group to support a men’s health initiative in our community. I’ve told them about men’s shorter life spans and disproportionate deaths from suicide and substance abuse. But I need a religious angle. Can you help?

A: What a fantastic question. There’s definitely a strong faith-based case to be made—not only for men and boys to take better care of themselves, but also for society and its institutions to make men’s health a priority.

The Body is Sacred

Let’s start with an idea that’s common to many faith traditions: that our bodies are sacred, a gift from the divine, and we have a duty to care for them. This goes beyond eating right and getting adequate amounts of sleep and exercise. For religious people, prioritizing health and wellbeing (including, of course, mental health) may be a form a worship and a sign of honor and gratitude for the gift of life. On the other hand, neglecting one’s health might be seen as dishonoring that gift.

That Old Provider/Protector Thing

Many faith traditions—especially the Abrahamic ones—emphasize men’s role as providers, protectors, and leaders. But men’s health is not just a personal issue; it significantly affects the lives of everyone around them. Having a healthy mind and body (and not being burdened by preventable illness) enables men to be better fathers, partners, friends, mentors, and community members. Prioritizing health is both an act of love and a demonstration of responsibility towards others who depend on them.

However, when men neglect their health, such as by ignoring symptoms or putting off getting medical attention, they’re shortening their lives and sapping the strength required to be the men their family and community need them to be. They’re also limiting their ability to help others. A man’s absence or incapacitation places an increased burden on his family and his community.

Being a Role Model

Faith communities often value setting an example for—and passing down positive traditions to—future generations. For today’s men, this means getting regular check-ups, making healthy lifestyle choices, addressing health concerns promptly, and asking for help when you need it. It also means sharing struggles, seeking advice, and being open about health challenges.

Social Justice

As you mentioned, men’s lifespan is shorter than women’s (by 6 – 7 years). They also account for the majority of suicides (80%) and opiate overdoses (70%), and die in greater numbers and younger ages of nine of the top ten causes of death. Those already tragic numbers are even worse in many inner-city, rural, or minority communities, which also struggle with lack of access to care, social stigma, and other barriers.

Any faith tradition that believes in addressing injustice in all its forms (which most do), should find the disparities that affect men unconscionable and unacceptable A truly just society would include systems and structures to enable boys and men to live lives that are as healthy and long as women’s and girls’.

Community Support

Because men often face societal pressures to suppress vulnerability or ignore health concerns, being part of a supportive faith community can make a huge difference. These communities often encourage healthy habits, offer support during illness, and may even provide opportunities for health education (such as the ones you’re trying to organize in your community). They can also instill accountability, which may motivate men to resist unhealthy temptations and adopt healthier lifestyles.

In conclusion, for men of faith, paying attention to their health can go from a secular pursuit to a sincere expression of spiritual beliefs. It can be an expression of love, an act of gratitude for a wonderful gift, and an opportunity to provide for and protect those they love.

Photo by Billy Pasco on Unsplash