Conception of Healthy Living: A Study with Religious Leaders

Abstract

The study sought to understand the concept of healthy living from the perspective of leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was field research with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and content analysis was used for analysis. It was emphasized that Church members must take responsibility for various areas of life, including health, which is understood holistically, thus requiring physical, moral, and spiritual care. The results revealed that the Church encourages the adoption of a healthy lifestyle that includes obedience to commandments such as the Law of Chastity (safe sexual practices, respect for the body); the Law of the Fast (prayer, spiritual strength, altruism); the Word of Wisdom (abstaining from addictive and harmful substances; guidelines for a balanced diet); and encourages regular physical exercise, combined with rest and adequate sleep. By promoting an active lifestyle, the Church offers social support for physical activity, providing facilities, materials, and organizing sporting events. In general, most of the concepts presented by the leaders are consistent with the literature, summarizing the ideal of a healthy life in a comprehensive manner. Therefore, it can be concluded that this religious institution advocates for its members to have healthier lives, thus associating a healthy life with religious values.