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bluenose2Jun 7, 2011
Everyone should believe in something.I believe I'll have another beer.
cntlscrutJun 7, 2011
right there with ya.
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
f**k that, grab some tequila! :P
luvkitJun 8, 2011
Whiskey's my preference.
msbpodcastJun 8, 2011
Damn straight... <i>Hic!!!</i>
srastewartJun 7, 2011
I'm part of the 10%. Groovy.
nicotin3Jun 7, 2011
More than 9 in 10 American believe in God. Well, so I guess more than 9 would be 10 in 10 Americans believe in god.
petrofireJun 7, 2011
Do you understand fractions?
fxspec06Jun 7, 2011
I don't understand fractions: I believe in them
boo1Jun 7, 2011
lololololol
Schweppesale2Jun 7, 2011
Question:
Why does belief in God necessarily make you religious?
philconowJun 7, 2011
belief in something is religion
jbarker6Jun 7, 2011
It doesn't. Some of the most intellegent scientists I know, (I like to include myself.....) believe in a higher power but aren't religious.
improvisedJun 8, 2011
The definition of "religion" is a hotly debated issue in philosophy. I don't think you guys are going to hash it out here.
luvkitJun 8, 2011
Who was talking about religion? I thought we were talking about fantasy...
chomskyknows2Jun 7, 2011
you can't land on fractions...
samthurstonJun 7, 2011
Fractional Americans? Is that what we're calling them these days?
This Political Correctness stuff still has me confused.
nicotin3Jun 8, 2011
do you understand jokes?
petrofireJun 8, 2011
Not the one you made, apparently. My bad, apologies.
nicotin3Jun 8, 2011
That was a quick Reply ROFL. I hope i interrupted your fapping time. What were you watching btw?
petrofireJun 8, 2011
That was earlier. I was actually on Digg when I got the notification. I don't sleep through the night most times.
haso18Jun 7, 2011
nobody said an integer number more than nine out of ten.
fxspec06Jun 7, 2011
I thought he was being sarcastic, did everybody else miss that?
jimmymycrushieJun 7, 2011
Oh yeaahh! You're cool. You sarcastic?
radraze2kxJun 8, 2011
Actually, I took him seriously and sided with him :/ damn math. damn it to <non-existant> hell.
danogburnJun 7, 2011
Why digg down? This is exactly what I thought when I read the title.
/discrete
radraze2kxJun 8, 2011
I did, too, actually
nicotin3Jun 8, 2011
because yours wasn't a discriminating joke lol.
nicotin3Jun 7, 2011
Hahahaha, look at all these nerds trying to correct a joke. Trollololololol
radraze2kxJun 8, 2011
I don't know why you got buried so many times, you're pointing out a flaw with the title:
"More than 9" (rationally) is 10, which equates the sentence to "10 of 10 americans believe in God"...
The article should have used a larger statistic, such as "19 of 20" or "39 of 40" to provide better accuracy without leading some to think body parts in hospitals are sentient and believe in God...
Maybe the agnostics and athiests buried you for daring to include them in the statistic?
nicotin3Jun 8, 2011
*Laughs* <--- yeah im a douche bag who does * douchebag smile * that lot. No lol rofl or lmao alone justify how hilarious this really is.
I hit 4 or more groups of people with that.
I made 32 people think and they're not very pleased. trololololol
misteratozJun 7, 2011
Can you just tell me why people repeat the last part of every post? I can't find this new meme....
meribianJun 7, 2011
meme....
cntlscrutJun 7, 2011
....
sandersdamnitJun 7, 2011
Reply
mgraves81Jun 7, 2011
_________________________________
paraswarmJun 7, 2011
Down Arrow. Up Arrow.
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
So only 10% of Americans aren't retarded. Comforting.
2012ronpaulJun 7, 2011
So because you believe in god then that makes you retarded??
I there is more open dialogue between redneck hillbillies than what spews out of your chilli hole.
chomskyknows2Jun 7, 2011
I believe the terminology is mentally challenged...but ya...10% of Americans aren't mentally challenged (idiots)....
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
Statistically it does. People who believe in god tend to use their midbrains over cerebral cortex.
...and you are probably even dumber if you believe in god AND vote as a libertarian. But that hasn't been proven. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
udee79Jun 7, 2011
color me dumb then
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
Ok.
simonjester666Jun 7, 2011
most Libertarians I know including myself are atheist and we all have high IQs, Both Atheists and Libertarians tend to be pretty smart, whats your excuse?
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
excuse for beng smart? a little bit of genetics and good parenting. Libertarians, by the way, are a demographically mixed bag as opposed to traditional republicans or democrats.
Most atheists I know are independents. Not really an argument.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
luvkitJun 8, 2011
Okay, if you're going to claim to be smart: please use proper language. On the internets, that's all we've got on you to judge.
Yes, I judge you.
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
this comment is exceedingly stupid.
well done.
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
you too
improvisedJun 8, 2011
I'm a libertarian who does not believe in God. What does that make me?
plncrzyJun 8, 2011
Half crazy.
leatherpancakeJun 8, 2011
half-attractive
simonjester666Jun 8, 2011
Smart!
luvkitJun 8, 2011
My brother! What up, yo?
jimmymycrushieJun 7, 2011
Well it may or may not make you retarded. It certainly makes you a conformist. Atheists could be smarter, since they 'think' whether god exists or not, rather than just believing because everyone else does.
jbarker6Jun 7, 2011
You having 9+ diggs shows the bias digging that goes on here.
Not only are you politically ignorant and crude with your humor you're also a huge minority.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
Would you like to back up that accusation?
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
Ah I see. You are right. There is a bias but thats because smart people, who don't believe in tribal superstitious nonsense are more likely to use technology, like computers.
If you need help programming your toaster, don't take your anger out on me. Consult the manual.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
jbarker6Jun 8, 2011
Reading a manual? I hope you're joking.
sephickJun 7, 2011
Some diggers are really getting upset here.. the title should have been "More than 9 in 10 Americans who took part in this study believe in God."
2012ronpaulJun 7, 2011
You are sooooo cool and hip then
rg_schmittJun 7, 2011
I logged in just to thumb you up.
piratearggghhhJun 7, 2011
I don't have a problem with that...just don't be in my face about it.
chaos7Jun 7, 2011
the problem is, these religious idiots vote on things that impact the rest of us.
norman619Jun 7, 2011
Well given that they are the majority....
ikorkyiJun 7, 2011
does not give them the right to infringe the rights of the minority...like life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
macharborguyJun 7, 2011
Thats how democracy works, majority rules over minority.
ikorkyiJun 7, 2011
that's not entirely correct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life,_liberty_and_the_pursuit_of_happiness
which leads to
http://www.democracyweb.org/majority/principles.php
norman619Jun 7, 2011
iko:
Wrong. A true democracy is mob(majority) rule. What I find a bit hypocritical is how people like you, who are the minority, try to impose your views and on the majority who don't share your world view and are happy to try and take away the right of the majority to worship their god(s).Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
daimposterJun 7, 2011
so slavery was ok? as were the laws preventing minorities and women from voting? and jim crow laws.....the majority had spoken!
ikorkyiJun 7, 2011
@norman
why would you assume the discussion of democracy in the United States, specifically of majority rule with minority rights, referred to a "true democracy" - when this true democracy isn't the model of the US and might not even exist.
"...are happy to try and take away the right of the majority to worship their god(s)."
WHAT? Not only do I attend a non-denominational christian church regularly, I would never somehow construe upholding minority rights as taking away the rights of the majority - in this case to practice religion. I'm not sure who, exactly, it is that you think is attempting to take this right away from you or any other American, but you're right to get butthurt if it is actually being attempted.
Just as people should have the freedom to practice the religion of their choice, they should have the freedom to not practice religion as well. It is for this reason that I believe religious doctrine or theory cannot be used by itself to make a case for something to be taken away, banned, or made illegal.
For example, equal rights for same sex couples. There should be no difference in the eyes of the government between a same sex couple and a opposite sex couple. Unfortunately, this is not the case - because of the lobbying of the majority christian right. I don't want to argue marriage vs civil union as syntax - because I don't think a same sex couple really cares - but I will argue that these two terms are NOT treated equally within government regulations. No church should be forced to marry anyone, but same sex couples should have the rights of a married couple - whether its called marriage or a civil union or anything else.
fitzal77Jun 7, 2011
That's great! Now where can I find a true democracy? All I see is a democratic republic with checks and balances protected by a constitution.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
This account has been closed by the user
chadster1000Jun 7, 2011
Somebody needs to read the constitution....
rotundoJun 7, 2011
Ah norman619, yet another who doesn't understand what imposing your views on others is.
It _is_ imposing your views on others to have mandatory prayer in schools.
It is _not_ imposing your views on others to not have prayer in schools.
If you don't get why that is, consider that "prayer" in the above sentence refers to prayer to Allah. Can you now see why the first is an imposition and the second isn't?
Very good. Now consider that you can do whatever you want in the privacy of your own home, and you'll start understanding liberty, and how a minority and a majority with different beliefs can live together in peace.
norman619Jun 7, 2011
Oh please... Show us how they are "infringing" on your rights. They are not. I see people who ignorantly or dishonestly make that claim as nothing more than a bratty child who makes s**t up.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
anomaly100Jun 7, 2011
I believe in God. Oh NO! I am infringing on other Americans' rights!
ikorkyiJun 7, 2011
belief in God is not infringing on other American's rights - but when this belief leads to conclusions (and laws/regulations through lobbying the government) with no other logical basis is when there is a problem.
Same sex marriage for example - other than being blasphemous - there is no logical reason why same sex couples should not have equal rights to opposite sex couples.
It's like you comment with complete disregard of the rest of the thread, topic, or article. how on earth did you arrive at the conclusion that i was saying belief in God is infringing on the rights of the minority atheists?
fitzal77Jun 7, 2011
It's by majority religious intolerance that same-sex marriage isn't legal. Denying to some what is given freely to others based solely on the sex of the person they fell in love with is a pretty good example of infringing on rights.
kyzzyxxJun 7, 2011
Abortion. Views on sex & marriage. What we should be allowed to put/not put in our bodies. I can go on and on. Please, don't be such a tool. Religions have notoriously infringed on people throughout history! If you do not see that, you are just plain stupid and in denial. Not to mention a disgusting human being. It is YOU that is being dishonest and ignorant.
meribianJun 7, 2011
You f**kers could relax, you know? It isn't like everybody hasn't had these exact same arguments f**king hundreds of times..
kyzzyxxJun 7, 2011
meribian,
That's just it, most people have had these arguments hundreds of times and it is STILL happening. I guess ignorance never gets old.
norman619Jun 7, 2011
ikorkyi & fitzal77:
Sorry but same sex marriage isn't illegal in any state in the union. There is no law which criminalizes or bans same sex marriage. The constitution makes such blatantly biased laws impossible. You are confusing government acknowledgement of same sex marriage with illegality. Gay couples can get married anywhere. All you need to do is find someone to marry you. You won't be able to get a marriage license in some places but that does not keep you from marrying.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
ikorkyiJun 8, 2011
@norman
its not just about being married, its being treated equally.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act
utinamJun 7, 2011
Believing in God != Being religious, though; while the evangelical politicians should definitely have far less influence on votes that will affect the majority of Americans, and while evangelical voters can turn out in droves where the more apathetic might stay home, that statistic doesn't mean everyone's a Bible thumper.
neotechniJun 7, 2011
(Believing in God != Being religious) = false
norman619Jun 7, 2011
Yes it is.
chrisinsocalifJun 7, 2011
Religion not only has a deity but often requires devotion, moral code governing the conduct of human affairs, ritual observances and practices. Believing in God without religion falls under a Deist, which has no rituals or dogma. I agree with other users when they say its okay for people to be religious as long as there is no theocratic encroachment on our free society. It's your right to believe, just keep your beliefs to yourself and from impacting my life.
essteeJun 7, 2011
Spoken like a true moron.
Lets try a double take shall we.
These atheist idiots... (bla blab bla).
If you claim to be civil, then you're a liar.
If you claim you don't care, then you're a discriminating fool.
Think about it.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
irvman21Jun 7, 2011
Every kind of idiot votes on things that impact the rest of us. Every time a socialist votes for someone who wants to take the money I have earned and give it to someone else who did not earn it, I am directly impacted by it. Why single out your disdain for the religious?
jrackowJun 7, 2011
The problem is that people like you who classify people as "religious idiots" vote on things that impact the rest of us. The problem being that you think you are somehow a better person than they are.
publiclurkerJun 7, 2011
And you don't think that being able to think rationally and not believe in invisible ferries doesn't make them better?
jrackowJun 7, 2011
Fairies* Thanks for helping me prove my point of intellectual inferiority, and how it simply isn't the case.
juliochavezJun 8, 2011
Hahaha: ferries. You probably think you got to the liberry to read books... well, bad example in your case but you know what I'm saying.
SNR3TDJun 7, 2011
What a flawed statement, and anyway, just because you believe in a God doesn't mean your religious - why the connection?
neotechniJun 7, 2011
"just because you believe in a God doesn't mean your religious -"
Yes, believing in God does mean you're religious... That's the definition of it.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
It actually is not. Religions don't have to have a central deity (Buddhism says hi), and believing in a deity doesn't mean you subscribe to any particular religion.
Sorry, try again.
Schweppesale2Jun 7, 2011
Actually thought spiritual would more closely describe someone with faith but no religious ties.
chomskyknows2Jun 7, 2011
wow. go to college to learn that? god/religion/spirituality/metaphysics is all generally bull$hit. it's basically $hit you can't prove that often gets dogmatically enforced on others...Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
rglarson13Jun 7, 2011
Kind of like the Big Bang theory, or gravity, or Euclid's 5th Postulate?
The world is full of unprovable things that are dogmatically forced on others.
chomskyknows2Jun 7, 2011
I can sense gravity (or at least think I can) and reason to it. There's basically nothing in religion I can reason to...In fact, if I could, I'm guessing it wouldn't be called religion at that point...
Of course, being an arch-skeptic, even causality is up for debate for me...
biotchJun 7, 2011
yeah rglarson...
Just like those because apparently there is absolutely 0 evidence to support those things too.
dsterbdJun 7, 2011
Yea, just like that. The only difference is that there are evidence for all those things you just mentioned! So yea, exactly the same, but different.
starmanjonesJun 7, 2011
honestly, i know that some atheists will say yes they believe in god because they think its safer than saying no.
at the mall... they might answer no. but a phone call could be their employer or some other nutty group that will target their employer. they fear loosing their jobs or having their kids exposed to something that will hurt them one way or the other.
the idea that atheists are some outspoken group on a mission is something created by religious people on a mission. mostly we don't bring it up and try to ignore the issue.
rglarson13Jun 7, 2011
You may be polite and rational, but my experience with atheists is that they loudly proclaim how intelligent they are because they've applied their impressive intellect and completely resolved all issues of faith.
Then again, maybe it's because the polite, rational ones aren't grandstanding all the time, so I don't notice them.
publiclurkerJun 7, 2011
No, it's because they are tired of listening to your ignorant, superstitious blather. One certain way to get an idiot to leave you alone is to challenge them. Once they know that they have to try to support their ignorance instead of having someone affirm their ignorance, they usually slink away.
rglarson13Jun 7, 2011
I'd reply @publiclurker, but he's at the end of the reply chain.
In any case, nothing he said at all responds to what I said. I'm not sure why he chose to reply to me, instead of someone further up the chain.
starmanjonesJun 7, 2011
most atheists i know don't want waste time in discussion about it. they only talk about it when they feel goaded into it.
that is what i would have you take away from my comment. that americans who are free to speak about anything are afraid of christians because their actions and the demeanor scare good people into lying about personal beliefs in order to protect their families.
frankly, the fear... the vision... is because it reminds people of what happened in germany and the soviet union. that is how you are perceived. i know that no christian wants to believe that... but then germans and russians didn't either. we are past the point where its just a mistaken perception of christians and we are now wondering how far it will go.
juliochavezJun 8, 2011
"afraid of christians because their actions and the demeanor scare good people into lying about personal beliefs in order to protect their families."
WTF?! If you lie about believing in God, you're just a pussy. Don't try to blame me, pal.
I would never lie about believing in God - not even as my head is being sawed off for being an infidel.
starmanjonesJun 8, 2011
@juliochavez
>I would never lie about believing
>in God - not even as my head is
>being sawed off for being an
>infidel.
i prefer to just decline to answer if i care. but i would never criticize anyone for putting their kids first. why would they want to fight this battle? if it means nothing and they think it might be ducking a punch... always fall back to safe.
but that is also a factor that isn't being considered in the poles... even if its just a few percent...
people also edit what they say and where they go on the internet because they don't want to get put on some list. you know that does happen.
the fear right wing christians have instilled in some small percent of americans that shouldn't need to fear anything is there. its not unwarranted or irrational. its happened before. its happened before in this country.
you get profiled for what you say and where you go... mccarthyism.
leatherpancakeJun 7, 2011
So I believe in Vishnu, but I'm not Hindu. Good logic there social scientist.
tluenborgJun 7, 2011
not nessessarily - Religion is the belief in a god PLUS a package of beliefs, traditions, rituals, scripture and so on. Belief in a personified god, also called theism.
Simply believing in some sort of god, without derieving any direct implications for your life or the world from that belief, is not being religious, and also called "deism".
Look it up.
Many christians here in Europe are, from my experience, practically deist (as they rarely attend church, give a crap about the bibles rules, don't believe in hell, angels or the great flood...), though they still call themselves christians simply because they were raised like that.
metallic07039Jun 7, 2011
While I also think neotechni's logic is flawed, it still seems silly to me that people say they believe in God, but don't give a crap about any of those things. I mean, if I was to believe there is a God looking down on me, shouldn't all of those things matter?! Obviously in this instance I am assuming that this would be the Christian God and certainly other religions/Gods would have their own respective rules.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
tluenborgJun 7, 2011
What i as a non-believer can onnly assume from oberservation and conversation, is that these people believe it because the thought of a caring god and an eternal afterlife is nice and comforting - the rules that come with most religions on the other hand are very unpleasant in the here and now - so they choose to continue faith in the comforting concept and to dismiss the rest.
metallic07039Jun 7, 2011
I suppose that was what I was insinuating as well. The truth (or lack thereof) becomes obvious at that point.
It is annoying that when there is an unknown, such as the question of what happens after death, that people need to fill the blank with something. Even if it has to do with unicorns and pots of gold at the end of rainbows.
essteeJun 7, 2011
And what if you call it something else?
A higher power, the first cause, the source etc etc.
You don't need a bible to come to a conclusion that a higher lifeform exists beyond that of human nature. I happen to know plenty of scientifically minded people who have come to the conclusion that a higher power exists without adhering to any religious standards.
The issue is redundant imo.
zaneebaJun 7, 2011
No it doesn't Being religious means devoting your life to that diety through service, prayer (money if scientologist)
Believing doesn't make you religious.
Idiot.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
jimtrafJun 7, 2011
I'm a Deist - not religious at all, but I believe that our existence is no accident.
"It seems to me absurd to doubt that a man may be an ardent Theist & an evolutionist." - Charles Darwin - Letter to John Fordyce, May 7, 1879
Unfortunately the ignorance of the atheist community parallels the ignorance of their fundamentalists opponents, with the exception that atheists are often far more arrogant and insistent that 'you agree with them' than the fundamentalists.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
chadster1000Jun 7, 2011
Your ass is not a credible/citable source to pull information from people, please try to understand. Please don't generalize Jim, unlike religious groups, the atheist community simply isn't consistent enough for you to make asinine assumptions about. We don't have the same beliefs and morals, just one non-belief. There is no tome of atheism.
supashurumeJun 8, 2011
"unlike religious groups, the atheist community simply isn't consistent enough for you to make asinine assumptions about."
Hey, how about we don't make asinine assumptions about anybody, seeing as how any group of millions of people is too disparate to make any meaningful generalizations? Is that okay?
betteroffedJun 7, 2011
All atheists are ardent about is not allowing the "faith" of others to encroach upon their lives and influence laws, public policy, etc.
Just one example: There is no good reason that homosexuality should be outlawed or prevented from existing. This is influenced by Christian faith that it is immoral. There is no proof behind this.
One more example: Blue laws still exist in many parts of this red, white, and blue country of ours, limiting or prohibiting the sale of alcohol on sabbath days and for no good reason. This is also due to Christian faith and influence.
See what the difference is here? Things that cannot be proven by scientific fact should not have any influence on the way that people are required to govern their lives. This is where the atheist's ardent feelings are. That's all.
WoozyJoeJun 7, 2011
I hate when people don't associate with either side of an argument, and then pretend they are automatically right and that both of the other sides are automatically wrong. Neutrality can be just as idiotic and self-righteous.
By the way, I've heard of tons of terrible things being done by the religious in the name of their religions. It is much rarer to hear of people committing atrocities is the name of non-religion (rarer, but not unheard of).
I dislike organized religion, not theists or deists.
udee79Jun 7, 2011
A big part of the twentieth century is atrocities committed by communism. Communism is officially atheistic, I guess you could say that the atrocities arose out of other parts of the communistic philosophy but it's debatable.at least.
publiclurkerJun 7, 2011
Actually, it's not debatable at all. Their atrocities were in no way committed on behalf of Atheism than they were because of the color of Mao's little red book. Communism is atheistic because they don't want any other groups trying to control their population.
WoozyJoeJun 7, 2011
There is a difference between an atheist committing crimes for atheism and an atheist committing crimes for his politics.
And I'm sure Stalin executed some people for their religion, he executed people for pretty much everything, but that's why I said it was rare and not unheard of. I guarantee churches around the world have committed far more crimes. Think of the Roman empire, the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, Modern Islamic extremism...
chileheadJun 7, 2011
Assuming correlation is the same as causation is a well known logical mistake. Stalin committed many atrocities for misguided political motives, not out of some motivation derived from supposedly not believing in any of the odd 3,400+ gods mankind has worshipped in the last 5,000 years. It would be just as easy to attribute the atrocities that Stalin committed to the fact that he went through seminary school prior to the revolution.
Not committing atrocities is something that people do because they have decided they are not going to be monsters, and because they aren't insane. Not committing atrocities because of threats from some mythical sky-fairy-father as detailed in a book of delusional fiction written to moderate the behavior of primitive, uneducated desert-dwellers is only an excuse they use when they came to the same conclusion and want to use it as proof of the power of the mythical sky-fairy-father. This same god that doesn't have the power to prevent his own priests from raping the innocent children of his most ardent followers in his own house.
jimtrafJun 7, 2011
@Chadster1000
Well you can look the letter up for yourself if you doubt its credibility. That's a task even you could figure out I'm sure.
And at least you admit that atheists are generally inconsistent, as are their fundamentalist counterparts. That I would have to agree with.
dsterbdJun 7, 2011
Darwin had to be very careful how he said and wrote things during the time of his studies. He was also conflicted because his discoveries disagreed with his religious upbringing. So you quoting Darwin does not really mean anything, not even sure what you are trying to say by quoting him! Also, you obviously aren't familiar with the atheist community because your statements are not accurate at all.
jimtrafJun 8, 2011
Judging by the responses of people on this article, my opinions on atheism are dead on, as is the quote by Darwin.
jimtrafJun 7, 2011
@betteroffed
There are plenty of reasons homosexuality should be outlawed/banned that have nothing to do with faith, like AIDS for instance. Homosexuals have a much higher rate of the disease than heterosexuals, proportionately. And the homosexuals who call themselves "bisexuals" or may change their orientation later in life, risk transmitting the disease to others. Then there is rape of course, and so on.
AIDS alone is reason enough to outlaw homosexuality. No quoted Bible verses needed. And there are plenty of reasons alcohol could be outlawed that have nothing to do with faith.
Promoting a good moral culture is central to the survival of any nation. And that is coming from a Deist who believes most of what Darwin did.
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. " - George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
mlw4428Jun 7, 2011
By your own reasoning we should outlaw:
Heterosexuals because herpes, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and a plethora of other STDs are common among heterosexuals.
Marriage because couples cheat and that's morally wrong. They divorce and cause tons of stress on their children (that's wrong) and there is of course plenty that beat their spouses (also very wrong).
Reading because you could read instructions that show you how to put together a bomb or murder someone or commit a crime.
The very idea that you want to ban anything not "morally right" is stupid. I'm not gay, just to be clear, but I think your attack on homosexuality is the most god awful argument against homosexuality than anything I've ever heard. I'm not trying to be rude, but you really need to sit down and rethink what you're talking about and the implications it would bring about. Not just for gays either.
srastewartJun 8, 2011
CCCCCCCCCombo BREAKER!!!!!!
chileheadJun 7, 2011
You're offering rape as a reason for outlawing homosexuality, yet gays rape people at a lower rate than the straight folk do. You can't really count prison rape, since the people in prisons are segregated and don't have access to anyone of the opposite sex - they're horny and demand to have sex, and they're at the point where it doesn't matter what the gender of the victim is: of course they'd all rape someone of the opposite sex if they happened to find one in prison with them, but we don't let that happen.
Gays had a higher incidence of AIDS for a while - because they weren't in the habit of using condoms for birth control: when there's zero chance of the other person getting pregnant, birth control isn't one of your concerns. Since the religious zealots wouldn't let them marry, they had no seriously explicit expectation to be monogamous - kind of like catholic priests feel free to molest dozens or hundreds of kids instead of staying loyal to just one. So that disease just took advantage of the conditions the same way Ebola would if you infected yourself and strolled into the international terminal of an airport.
Really, you're going to cite George Washington as an expert in sociology and criminalistics? He never officially studied those fields, and even if he did, we've got a couple hundred years of growth and refinement in those fields since his day, we now know better. You use him as an example of morals, yet he owned slaves.
Really, there's nothing in this world that religion hasn't tried its hand at making much, much worse for people at least once.
jimtrafJun 8, 2011
@chilehead
Rape with the possibility of transmitting AIDS. It's important if you are going to respond to something to keep it in context. And we all know that some heterosexuals have AIDS also and it's just as desirable to rid the community of those carriers also as it is the homo carriers. But that doesn't change the fact that it homos have a disproportionately high rate of infection, and like Blacks, are the source of where the disease is in this nation, as well as the rest of the world.
jimtrafJun 8, 2011
@mlw4428
It is already against the law to beat your spouse, and reading instructions on building a bomb doesn't hurt anyone as long as you don't act on it. You may think that promoting a moral and healthy culture is "stupid" but your alternative dooms civilization and returns humanity to the jungle, which is exactly where we are headed. "Decline is progress" in your mind.
Maybe you should sit down and think this out instead of spending so much time watching Comedy Central. You get a warped picture of the world when your only source of knowledge is John Stewart.
darkslayer13Jun 7, 2011
9 out of 10 digg users believe you're an idiot.
jihadofthesoulJun 8, 2011
lmao you epicly fail at any sort of debate
pnorth12Jun 7, 2011
Agreed, it's like saying how many people believe in Santa Claus. I can believe something exists, yet do nothing about it. How does that make someone different than an athiest.
analucia410Jun 7, 2011
There IS a huge difference between being "religious" and believing in God and being a Christian. Being religious is about do's and don'ts and rituals that suppose to help you get into heaven, etc. It's all lies. Believing in God as a Christian is about having a personal relationship with God through Jesus, allowing God into your every aspect of your life, to transform you as a person, to live out a good life helping others based on your own innate gifts, having purpose - but as humans we always screw up, but being a christian means we are under grace and can go to God directly without any rituals to get restored. This is a not a license to purposely harm others, but to do our best. Very different than being "religious" where we as humans can't keep up and feel frustrated and "fail". As far as those that just believe in a God, I can't speak for their reasons and to Who they Think God is.
betacmag4uJun 7, 2011
So 9 out of 10 Americans have a psychiatric illness?
eatthebrainJun 7, 2011
Religious has two primary definitions:
"Relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity"
"Of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances"
I'm pretty sure the original statement meant definition one, which is belief in one or multiple deities.
RalphusOneJun 7, 2011
More than 9 out of 10 Americans believes in polls.
blackoculusJun 7, 2011
I guess you can count me in that 10%
barackalypseJun 7, 2011
I guess its a good thing the Constitution is supposed to protect the rights of everyone, huh? Could you imagine if the majority felt the same way about teaching about God as they apparently do about having taxpayers pay for health care for the poor?Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
What is the point of trying to inject that discussion here.
Like, seriously, dude.
fxspec06Jun 7, 2011
just ignore it..
th3wh1terabb1tJun 7, 2011
Look at the username, that answers it all
ambigubotJun 7, 2011
I thought republicans platformed themselves as representatives of christian values... but also platform that they hate medicare, social security... s**t, republicans in my state have arrested people on two separate days occasions for feeding the homeless (yes, people have to assemble peacefully to feed homeless people, and get arrested in a publicly donated park).
If these people represent you, you're a hypocrite, and you should consider what your party is made of.
barackalypseJun 7, 2011
Nobody using the force of Government to limit the actions others may take (that don't hurt anyone else or infringe their rights) represents me. Technically, nobody represents me because nobody I have voted for has ever been elected.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
chris12295Jun 7, 2011
maybe you should start voting for the opposite of what you want
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
Around 15% of the country is atheist, last time I checked.
The majority of the rest are completley apathetic. "Believing in god" does not mean "religious".
At least not in the way most people think of it. I live in NY. Most people I know believe in god to some extent but they never go to church.
But that said, who really cares?
If people believing in god or not believing in god bothers you, you are just an assh**e.
End of story.
bunghole59Jun 7, 2011
it bothers me when people that make laws believe in fictional beings and base their moral compass on their teachings. i guess i'm the assh**e
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
Totally.
Did I mention politics at all? No. So what are you even arguing about?
bunghole59Jun 7, 2011
it bothers me when like-minded believers in fictional beings band together and vote members of their delusion-squad into office for the purpose of furthering their religious agendas on everyone else. what are you arguing about?
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
I was saying that judging people based on vague religious classifications means you're a jackass.
See, when you lump millions of people together and judge them based on a few politicians, you make yourself look like a retard.
I honestly pity people like you.
"omg damn christians theyre so deluded omg".
That's you. That's what you people sound like.
It's like listening to a 12 year old try to explain quantum physics.
I didn't even mention politics and you still go off on a minority of evangelicals(yes, they are a minority. Most people care more about jobs then abortion).
For what? Because the idea of faith is so repulsive to you that the very mention of it arouses hatred?
THAT is why I call you an assh**e.
Get over yourself kid.
stealthspcJun 7, 2011
"omg damn christians theyre so deluded omg".
I'll just be straight forward with you on this. It's hard for atheists to take religious people seriously when they believe in something so rediculous. The bible literally contradicts itself. For instance, god declares that he is perfect, yet also describes himself as a selfish god. The bible makes it clear that being selfish is major sin. Therefore, one of these statements must be false.
We atheists tend to be fairly good at respecting others beliefs. However, when religious people vote against things like gay marriage, we get pissed off. Why? Because we're respecting their beliefs and they're not respecting others. This is very hypocritical. Then when they point to the bible to defend their claims, we just want to punch them in the face. If you quote a book that doesn't even make sense to justify bullying others for being different, you're an ignorant assh**e.
essteeJun 7, 2011
RE: stealthspc
I've never heard of God being selfish before.
Can you tell me where I could find that information?
bbowendiggJun 7, 2011
@ esstee selfish is choosing your will rather than God's. which is sinful and harmful and doesn't end in joy or God's glory. Thus God is 100 selfish, seeking his glory and goodness and his will. which if he didn't he wouldn't be seeking the best possible, which just happens to be him. so that's why he asks for you to love him, because 1 he literaly is the best, and its also what most satisfies you. Himself. but specific examples... hmm.. not talk, but reasons biblically.
google god is selfish,
then first link, by christian study.something...
halfway down.
5. Only God’s glory can answer every question.
The quest for truth ends when the seeker finds the answer to the questions of life—the one final answer that ultimately resolves every other question. The ultimate answer to every question—after all else is said and done—is “to glorify of God”:
Why did God create us? Isaiah 43:6-7
Why did God rescue the Israelites from Egypt? Psalm 106:7-8
Why did God raise up Pharaoh? Romans 9:17
many more are listed. but it walks through the thought process...Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
essteeJun 8, 2011
@ stealthspc
Ah IC, you're reasoning this out. I was under the impression that this was some sort of declaration or something along those lines.
Well under such a pretense, I guess we could conclude anything to be possible. And by that, I mean where one comes to an understanding based on personal reasoning.
Having said that... from what I can gather, it appears as though God wants matters of worship one way based on what is needed to get things done. And by this I mean salvation.
But we needn't stop there in order to draw conclusions either. I mean... WHAT IF... God was energy and the preservation of all things was bound by specific conditions? ie. proper conditioning leading to the preservation of life for humans and/or perhaps all things relative.
To which I'd posit, along these same lines... where does it end? We could could go on and on until the cows come home(whatever that means) without as much as putting a dent in reality given the circumstances.
Truth is, we don't quite know the why's to all questions when it comes to God and man, and so it's hard to come to any final conclusions on such things.
However, one thing did that stood-out in your response was the part where you wrote that God was the best. To which I'd ask... is this a fitting observation under the terms?
And I think it is rather strange to attribute personal performance with absolute values don't you think?
Which is about the equivalent of asking just how old God is? Or how powerful he would be and so on and so forth.
Which all end-up being inappropriate under the terms of infinitude when we get right down to it.
Anyways, I'm not rooting for anything at this stage, but I do think your observations could use refinements "or at the very least" better suited to the terms of what is written or said with regard to God's nature.
Fascinating topic btw.
nmessickJun 7, 2011
your giving way more credit than is deserved. The "religious right" is far from some kinda orginized voting block. Most churches I've been too distance themsevles from goverment as much as possible. Do like minded people tend to support canidates that support their ideas... sure.. thats party agnostic.
anub1sJun 7, 2011
noidea, I understand what you're saying, and in general think it applies. However, in some areas of the country, religion means overwhelming conservative majority.
For example, my state, Utah, is 58% LDS (identifying) according to a study taken in 2008. I used to go to LDS churches, I still hear from their members (parents are members), and the message was absolute conservativism because GOP candidates upheld the messages the church was trying to bring across. It had very little to do with jobs, with taxes, with anything OTHER than the religious agenda. Mind you this is local and it's specific to only certain areas of the country, it isn't a generalization across all of the conservative leaning individuals across the country.
The point I'm trying to make is that people like bunghole59 get their ideas based on their area. Here in Utah, it's almost not worth going to the polls if you intend to vote for any Democratic nominee because you will always be outvoted. Yes, that is defeatism, but point still stands.
If you don't believe me about the elections here's our 2010 election results: http://elections.utah.gov/2010%20General%20Election%20Results.xls
One's political beliefs are largely based on their upbringing, their education levels, the areas they live in, and even the social aspects of their lives (church groups, etc.). One should always stay objective and in the middle, but the largest percentage of people do not, they refuse to, and instead generalize and refuse to see the other side of the fence. You can't exactly blame someone for having feelings like this when it's largely a byproduct of current social norms.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
Listen, your preaching to the choir. I don't think it's the government's place to enforce morality on people.
But the thing(the only thing) that pisses me off about atheists on the internet is their tendency to demonize millions of people because they don't agree with everything they say.
I'm not a Mormon and I think most of the s**t they believe is insane.
But you know what? I can forgive that, Mormons are nice people. Not any worse then anybody else in the big picture.
This combative "us vs them" stuff just makes atheists look like jackasses.
It's self defeating and lacks perspective.
anub1sJun 7, 2011
True, but it is NOT the just the atheists you need worry about. It's both sides of the argument. Sure, Digg has a (seemingly) majority of atheist or at least agnostic readers, but Digg is by no means accurate representation of internet users.
Atheists may demonzie the other side, but the otherside does the same damn thing, and are in larger number. Do you really blame atheists for being at all militant? They have to be when they're outnumbered by such a large margin. It's instinct.
The combative "us vs. them" thing makes EVERYONE look like jackasses. People are so quick to latch on to like minded individuals and organize, but when it comes to opposite ideals, no compromise can be found, no middle ground. It's always us vs. them. Humanity needs to learn to work together, it's killing itself with this bulls**t.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
Once again, preaching to the choir.
I just hate prejudice no matter who is spouting it.
Sam Harris, Pat robertson, same s**t.
When you start pointing fingers and saying "This is why everything sucks! This and this alone!" you've locked yourself into an ideological box.
anub1sJun 7, 2011
Agreed, and you are well within your rights to despise such prejudice, but you did yourself no favors by solely calling out the atheists of the site, here. Best to keep yourself in the middle in all dealings, regardless of the direction the majority in your current audience lean.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
Only reason I call out atheists on digg is because digg doesn't have any theists worth calling out.
None that I've seen..anyway.
ognolmanJun 7, 2011
@noidea107: "But the thing(the only thing) that pisses me off about atheists on the internet is their tendency to demonize millions of people because they don't agree with everything they say. "
You are demonizing millions of atheists with comments like this. You are helping to maintain the divisions that you claim to despise. If you really want to reduce the combative "us vs them" mentality then, IMO, you're approach is self-defeating and lacks perspective.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
"You are demonizing millions of atheists with comments like this. You are helping to maintain the divisions that you claim to despise. If you really want to reduce the combative "us vs them" mentality then, IMO, you're approach is self-defeating and lacks perspective."
No, I'm not.
Although if you wish to take everything as an attack on you, go right ahead.
First thing I typed in this thread was pretty much "I don't give a s**t what people believe as long as they aren't assh**es about it"
That goes for everybody
inajeepJun 7, 2011
@noidea: like allowing women to vote or slavery?
noidea107Jun 8, 2011
What the f**k does this have to do with slavery?
ferretmanJun 7, 2011
I don't see any problem with folks wanting to base their moral compass on whatever works for them--religious teachings, the logic of Archimedes, whatever.
I find the "fictional being" argument intriguing if only because if suffers from *precisely* the same problem as those who insist there IS a God (or gods)....without proof one way or the other, how do you know?
Without proof, believing in a god or gods is an act of faith. So is *not* believing in them.
Many believers on both sides of that line don't seem to understand that.
elimgarakJun 7, 2011
It bothers me that people who believe in a bearded man in the sky make rules that control or influence my life. Be they political rules or of other type. For example, it bothers me that it is nearly impossible in US to be elected to some public offices if you are an atheist. Why does anyone care whether the president is a Christian, a Muslim, an agnostic, or a Buddhist? Or a congressman?
I don't care - in fact if these people were free to explicitly state their views I would feel better.
Not to mention the social pressure of religion.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
A Muslim was elected to congress in Illinois, I think.
So obviously it's not impossible.
Thing is, it's hard to like somebody who thinks you are deluded. Welcome to politics, it's all about kissing ass.
elimgarakJun 7, 2011
It's not impossible - it's just very, very difficult. And it is impossible on larger scale.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
I think at the end of the day religion doesn't have as much influence on politics as the news would have you believe.
People thought Barack Obama was a Muslim and he still won by a landslide.
Speaking of Obama, in the 1950's that man would have been considered unelectable.
Most people no matter what they believe aren't that concerned about others.
This is the one indisputable fact I've learned in my life.
You can't expect people to vote against their values.
But you can't assume they are all stupid fanatics either.
fitzal77Jun 7, 2011
Not really...
Obama's opponents were trying to make everyone believe he was a Muslim, so no one would vote for him. Obama, as it is widely known, is Christian, and therefore electable. No one who has been elected president of the US has ever gone against Christian theology.
Christianity teaches certain things: live a good life, help other people, and Christianity is the only true religion. Most of the country is Christian, ergo no atheists, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, or Hindus will be elected to the highest office of the US.
Congress is a different story, as we're dealing with smaller populations and less publicized campaigns. A smaller percentage of people vote for non-presidential positions, and there's a higher probability that a person won't care who's elected. Obviously it's possible for an occasional religious minority to be elected to congress and the senate.
I haven't seen anyone claim that everyone who believes in god is a stupid fanatic. What I've seen is a frustration with some politicians who back up their positions with bible quotes instead of sound reasoning.
inajeepJun 7, 2011
Really? you don't think religion has influence. That is naive. Scientology tried to get in years ago and was pushed back. Look up C Street Fellowship. Prayer breakfasts for politicians. Look lower down the political pools see how hard it is to get elected if you aren't the 'right' religion. School curriculum, health care for women, stem cell research funding is all screwed up due to the influence you aren't aware of.
netantJun 7, 2011
In the 1950's!?!?!? Hell, up until 2000, I'd say Obama was unelectable. As Chris Rock put it, "The old white guy f**ked things up so bad, it drove the country to vote for a black man!"Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
It's not that religion never plays a part in anything.
But most of the country is very well aware that we got bigger problems to deal with then who is marrying who.
Most of the country really isn't that religious.
s**t, half of us don't even bother to vote.
Closed AccountJun 8, 2011
I need to give you a round of applause.
I hope you heard it.
cryinlionJun 7, 2011
How often are legislative decisions made based on religion, and how often are they made based on the influence of lobbyists? God is not our biggest problem here...
fitzal77Jun 7, 2011
Cancer isn't the biggest health problem here, but that doesn't mean we should just ignore it.
essteeJun 7, 2011
If by rules you mean the 10 commandments, I guess we could call that a success. Apparently, people in that day weren't doing very well on their own and so...
As for political rules, I guess we could conclude that people instinctively seek familiarity in their party favorites. Which isn't really that big a deal when you think of it considering people vote for whoever pleases them most(fundamental).
And so I see no mysteries there really.
fr33thinkerJun 7, 2011
Hmmm. The "bearded man in the sky" is really a *human* portrayal--not a scriptural one. It's the same thinking that paints Jesus as wearing white robes with the physique of a ballet dancer.
But I get it that some people don't believe in Christianity so vehemently that they feel it necessary to derisively describe that religion.
With regard to your issue about religion and running for public offices; you realize that most candidates are married right? One could even say that it is "nearly impossible in the US to be elected to some public offices if you are" not married. But do you rage against the institution of marriage? If not, then why the double standard?
The point is that people have and always will vote for the candidate that they most identify with. Since 90% of Americans believe in God, many candidates will try to portray themselves as spiritual (even though they may not be).
The last is my only peeve against certain religious groups: some vote blindly for a candidate ONLY because they *think* the candidate shares their religious belief. That's just as silly as voting for a candidate only because he went to your alma mater.
elimgarakJun 7, 2011
That's how most people would describe god or Jesus - a bearded man in the sky. That image is extremely common in religion - whether it is in the bible or not. Thus it is a pretty fair description.
Also, most people in the country are married, so that's not that interesting. Furthermore, marriage is not something that is likely to impact decisions of the politicians - much less so than religion. Statistically speaking most people in the country are married.
Furthermore, for politicians this is also a cause and effect question - I think that they are often married because of who they are and how they communicate. And they go into politics for the same reason. And they are often embroiled in infidelity scandals for the same reason once again. It's not that they get elected because they are married - it's more than if they are of that mindset that they get married and go into politics.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
barackalypseJun 7, 2011
How exactly did you check? Door to door polling or some other statistically valid approach?
neotechniJun 7, 2011
""Believing in god" does not mean "religious". "
Yes it does. By definition.
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
I believe in god.
I have not been to church since I was five.
I don't believe 100% in any book.
I think most religious leaders are full of s**t.
If you didn't know me that well you'd say I was an atheist, and many have.
Tell me, do I sound religious to you?
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
What definition?
lucas123Jun 7, 2011
Jesus's brother, James, defined what "true" religion is.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27)
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
I think I trust dictionaries more than the bible.
cosmicsurferJun 7, 2011
There are a number of religions that don't hold a "god" as the supreme deity....eg, Buddhism, pantheism...
but then hubris is a condition of humanity...Exceptionalism a condition of willful ignorance
daimposterJun 7, 2011
This poll is the lowest % of agnostic and atheist I have seen. It's like when they take a poll of which candidate you will vote for in the upcoming presidential elections. Even among respected polls, it varies quite a bit. You can 54% in one poll and 60% in another.
Most polls I've seen have shown between 15 and 20% of the US population do not believe in God. I clicked on the gallup poll linked and saw a history of the poll and none of it matches up with the majority of the polls out there. Only 1% of people didn't believe in God back in 1967?
The problem with polls is they have a very difficult time getting an accurate statement. Even if you ask 100% of the population, you may not have an accurate number because certain questions may not draw accurate responses. I know that the first couple years after I realized I was an atheist or agnostic I wasn't so open about it. I was even asked by a stranger taking a college poll about my religious beliefs and I just said 'Catholic'.
Few religious people would actually respond by saying they do not believe in God but a much larger % of non-believers would respond to a similar poll saying they are believers in God. The same can be said about polls about sexual orientation.....you are likely to find many more gays who said they are straight than straight people who said they are gay. Polls with touchy subjects are likely to lean in the direction of the safer choice.
kyzzyxxJun 7, 2011
Yup, assh**e right here! If not liking your twisted religious views having an effect on my life is being an assh**e, then so be it. I'd rather be an assh**e than a moron!
Hmm, believe in a Universe (and beyond) that I can touch, see, taste, that has existed forever or a God that I cannot see, touch, or feel as having existed forever. I think I will go with the one I can see and touch.
Fools! Fools trying to tell me how to be. f**k you!Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
essteeJun 8, 2011
Hehe
Nice world you live in :)
myfalseworldJun 7, 2011
Not surprising. 9 of those 10 ppl actually believe in elected officials, Santa Clause, The Tooth Fairy"not The ROCK version", the Easter Bunny and Mcdonalds being a healthy fast food option. Americans should never be polled for anything until as a collective unit our main source of news information stops being TMZ.
svensorensonJun 7, 2011
Question is too broad and perhaps doesn't take into account the fact people are VERY loose when they think of the question of god, a higher power, santa claus or Lucas' THE FORCE. Given the developments in science (the connections demonstrable between entities and even planets) it's hard not believe in some kind of physical (not supernatural) connection. Is that also slipping under the mantle of "universal spirit"? I would think so. Headline was quite childish in this article.
aristotle0dudeJun 7, 2011
Are you sure that you are not projecting your feelings on the matter? Have you conducted any surveys?
I'm not a big believer in polls especially for something specific like this but you do seem to assume that a lot of people know what you are talking about when you say "the force". Not everyone is a scifi nerd.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
camperbenJun 7, 2011
yes aristotleOdude.......not everyone *cough cough* is a scifi nerd.......snicker
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
Anyone who doesn't know what the force is has been living under a rock for the past fifty years.
azzguntherJun 7, 2011
Do you honestly believe that 90% of Americans believe in a god?
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
Pfft.
The force is just microscopic midi-chlorians.
barackalypseJun 7, 2011
I stopped believing in the Force when I learned about midi-chlorians.
jsevenofnineJun 7, 2011
midi-chlorians are used to detect the force. that's what they help one do. don't stop believin.
inajeepJun 7, 2011
I find it difficult to believe in supernatural because it just points to a lack of knowledge rather than filling in the blank with 'god did it' or ghosts. I find those who thank their god for a happy event tend not to blame him or her for the bad events. I also find that thanking their god for good fortune takes away from those who actually did the work.
geogeerJun 9, 2011
I believe it was St. Teresa who said something along the lines of:
If I be given good health, God be praised.
If it be taken away, God be praised.
If I be given a long life, God be praised.
It I be given a short life, God be praised.
Suffering and pain has meaning. Christians are called to embrace their suffering and pain with glad hearts and offer it up to God in atonement for our many sins in the same way that Jesus offered up his life for our sins. You know that whole take up your cross and follow me thing.
satori3000Jun 7, 2011
Flying Spagetti Monster... come on!
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
All Hail the Flying Spaghetti Monster! May he caress you with his noodly appendage!
amoludareJun 7, 2011
How many people answered "Do you believe in god?" like "Eh, yea, sure." This poll has to be flawed.
cam81Jun 7, 2011
I believe in dog.
ChosenWomanJun 8, 2011
I believe in God
improvisedJun 8, 2011
Do you believe in God?
dudegivemeanameJun 8, 2011
I believe in god. ;)
ChosenWomanJun 8, 2011
Yes I believe in God and Jesus Christ
geogeerJun 8, 2011
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell;
the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
That should just about do it...
improvisedJun 8, 2011
But do you all believe in God?
freeformjazzJun 7, 2011
The digg community seems to be slightly out of touch. Not saying it's good or bad, just not representative of the whole.
ardeetJun 7, 2011
More than 9 in 10?
Who are these bizarre, devout, non-integer semi-beings?
suzillaJun 7, 2011
The offspring of those who frac(tion)?
consig1iereJun 7, 2011
People divide?
cntlscrutJun 7, 2011
average household has 2.5 children according to various studies by the census bureau and the like.
fraglessoneJun 7, 2011
More than 9 out of 10..Doesn't that mean 10 out of 10, as in all Americans believe in god?
Take that atheists!.. oh wait, there are none...
4Herp2Derp0Jun 7, 2011
9.00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001
Don't worry because 0.99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 don't believe in god(lowercase disrespect intentional) and realize that there is much more to the universe as we know it than what humans knew 2,000 years ago.
It is also very possible that humans have interacted with alien species many times in history and have turned those stories into religions.
Almost every single religion has beings descending from the sky with lots of smoke, fire, and noise. There are ancient descriptions and depictions of UFO's. Are we seriously stroking our ego that much that we think we know everything and are the smartest beings anywhere and a magical man in the sky made everything just for human beings?
Humans got on this Earth by either chance or alien intervention. Just because we are now starting to accept that there is other life out there doesn't mean it just started developing. There could be civilizations that are hundreds of millions of years ahead of us. They could also live on planets that have some extra elements that we never knew existed. Our planet does not contain every element in the universe.
I don't know why I just got into that but meh.
cliffsatoJun 7, 2011
Nine and a half man.
esfisherJun 7, 2011
Statistically, we all have 1 testicle.
mrdugJun 7, 2011
I believe in a God and I probably lean more towards a Christian God, but I will be truthful in that I haven't really looked into any others openly. I believe in God because I like the comfort if gives me, not for structure or rules, but plain good ol' comfort.
When a pet, friend, or family member died it was nice to think and believe that they are in a better place, are free, and can watch down on me from time-to-time. It's also a nice thought that when I die I will have somewhere to go to, and that my life wasn't completely meaningless.
I also like to think that one day all those who've done wrong will pay for what they did, as our justice system -- and well anything to with man is severely flawed. A lot of criminals out there have never been charged for their crimes and run free.
These are why I like to believe in a God, is it right, is it the truth, is it the answer... not even close. I do not subscribe to the whole "thou shalt shove thy belief in God down ones throat". I don't want a bunch of minions camping outside my house waiting for my next gospel.
I was baptized Catholic but only attended for a year. I didn't like how the church treated people and how there were "expectations" among the attenders, and little niche groups - it felt like high-school again.
I thought about things for a long time and occurred to me one thing - all we need is belief and good morales. I don't need to say 10 Hail Mary's every-time a look at a woman and think "damn I'd do her". What harm did I do to her, really? If I keep my thoughts to myself, and treat her with respect I cannot see how this will send me to hell.
I've perched myself on a rock in the middle of a forest and meditated for hours. I let the sun shine down on me, listened to the birds, felt the wind, and just became one with all that was around me -- and not in a "Oh my God a double rainbow" sorta way -- this moment was probably the most relaxed and most beautiful experiences in my life. How can I say there is no God when there is so much beauty around us.
I also realized that a God that has anything to do with us on earth is false. We are here to prove ourselves, to prove we are worthy (or so it is told), if this is the case then there cannot be any influence on us. Meaning we are alone on earth, that all the praying in the world will not help us. We must find a way to live peacefully amongst each other, and help each other out. This is why I do not try to convert people into believing in God. I let them make their own decisions, and I accept them for who they are. I hate it when people get so mad at a Christian for praying, or a Muslim for wearing their religious clothing, and for Jewish - being Jewish, or an atheist for not believing... as the old saying goes "Can't we all just get along?".
I am one of the 9 in 10 that do believe in God, but not the way that most people assume. I just wanted to show to people that not all whom believe in God are the religious nuts that want to shove a crucifix down their throats and force their beliefs upon them.
laurahoustonJun 7, 2011
really good post!
casf1bJun 7, 2011
The cultural fashion of this generation is of an openly egotistical, nihilistic cynicism that ridicules everything and believes in nothing. Its values and philosophy is more in line with a wise cracking Charlie Sheen or John Belushi then it is with any other type of spiritual reflection or contemplation. It lives for the momentary contemptuous smack down of anyone that dares admit to an "inner soul".
inajeepJun 7, 2011
I am fairly positive that most people who believe or follow a religion are born into a family that teaches them from an infant. Imprinting, I believe it is called.
popephredJun 8, 2011
I enjoyed reading your post, which had some nice thoughts in there, and I appreciate that you have adopted a wold-view which, from what you have posted here, seems to have conformed to your path. I certainly do not know, but I suspect that there are quite a number of folks who have traveled a similar path as yours.
The beliefs that you hold work for you and center you, which, ultimately help make you a vital force in your life and the others around you. From what you have posted, I can gather that you are an accepting person that would understand that a non-believer can look at the magnificence of the cosmos in its infinite splendor, and appreciate its complexity and beauty without the existence of a creator. For myself, the cause is irrelevant, and I am content not knowing, as I lack the knowledge or wisdom to understand the cause.
I can also understand how people could become upset at others for openly displaying their faith. For some, it is a flagrant show of disrespect toward the supremacy of the offended's beliefs; while for others the reason could be the perception of hypocrisy (e.g. a religion that praises humility while at the same time, dressing it's leaders in the finest cloth and housing them in palaces of gold and marble), and other reasons besides.
I do not pretend to know what moves others to believe the way they do, as I am not gifted with that insight. But I would like to think that the "silent majority" are generally good-hearted people, and are not zealots, regardless of their personal beliefs.
*** MAXIMUM VERBOSITY REACHED: ENDING SCREED ***
mcbraincloudJun 7, 2011
I figure that agnostics would feel uncertain about this poll question so they wouldn't know how to answer and I think atheists wouldn't see the relevance of the question so they wouldn't answer either. God knows what I believe on the matter, I feel like a squirrel.
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
I would respond 'No comment' or 'decline to state'.
rhawk187Jun 7, 2011
Saw a poll a few months back that said that 21% of self-identified Atheists, believe in God. Still not sure how that works.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
Plenty of people don't really understand what Atheism means, and confuse it with agnosticism or deism.
death007Jun 8, 2011
I have also seen that survey awhile back. way to go rhawk, informing others about the obvious bias agenda in this article.
skeptictankJun 7, 2011
Believing in a "God" doesn't necessarily mean you are religious. And what God? There about as many definitions as there are people that have a concept of God. Even if I was a Christian, I don't think my God would be the same as Jerry Falwell's. And what's the point of religion and God anyway if you're not going walk the walk? I can claim to be a part of any "ism" but if I do not live according to the basic tenets of that "ism", I am an "ist" in name only. Why do most Christians go out of their way NOT to emulate Christ and why do atheists like Buddhists act more like "Christ"ians than many Christians? It's too confusing for me so my beliefs are simple. I believe I'll have another beer.
chris12295Jun 7, 2011
"Why do most Christians go out of their way NOT to emulate Christ"
I cant really speak for other religions other than Christianity but when it comes to Christianity, a lot of people claim to be Christian but very few actually understand their own religion. The Bible even says that the number of people who will end up in heaven is very small compared to the number of people that will live. Just because someone says they are Christian doesn't mean they are. Most will rationalize their sin or say "its fine, God will forgive me" but if they actually understood Christianity, they would realize it doesn't work like that.
xobarbarianJun 7, 2011
More than 9 in 10 Americans delusional...
norman619Jun 7, 2011
More than 9 in 10 diggers are irritatingly arrogant!
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
10 out of 10 people on digg are full of themselves.
countess666Jun 7, 2011
i hate to point this out but... you're on digg...
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
I never claimed to be flawless :D
popephredJun 7, 2011
I, for one, would like to welcome the 20,945,919 atheists and agnostics that have joined our ranks since 1967 :)
doodlemasterJun 7, 2011
Okay here's what I think someone label me please.
I don't practice religion.
I do not like Christianity as an organized religion in its many forms.
I despise the people who treat others differently if they aren't religious
I enjoy the Judaism and its traditions over christianity
I enjoy Islam, but I do not appreciate some of the intrinsic connections it has to certain cultures in the middle east specifically Saudi Arabia.
I think people seek absolution, and have the mental capacity to push off what they see as an insecurity in themselves onto something they want to believe in for moral support.
Taoism, buddhism, hinduism, and the like are great methodologies for meditative thought (this relates to the previous point)
I do not believe there is a god, but I wouldn't deny the idea of there possibly being one.
If there is a god I would no readily throw myself at its feet in worship.
So do I believe in an actual God being, no, but I believe in the idea of god as a construct of humanity to make sense of the world personally and on a broader macro level.
So does that make me an atheist, agnostic, religious? I think there's a "god" (idea), but not god in the way people would think there is a god?
norman619Jun 7, 2011
I bet their definition of religion is pretty lose.
elimgarakJun 7, 2011
Umm... I think that by definition means that you are an atheist. Or at least somewhere between an agnostic and an atheist. You don't believe in god as an actual being - that is almost the exact definition of an atheist.
ganjadude4391Jun 7, 2011
that would be a deist
elimgarakJun 7, 2011
No, I don't think so - not according to the definition I found. A deist is somebody who believes in an actual deity. He doesn't - he apparently believes in a mental construct of god, not some being that has created the universe.
ganjadude4391Jun 7, 2011
thanks for that, I always get confused when it gets to the minute details.
Closed AccountJun 7, 2011
I would say the simplest classification for someone like you--and unlike atheist/agnostic, one that isn't ambiguous or subject to interpretation--is "non-believer". The fact that you have some interest in various religions isn't really important. Lots of non-believers are interested in religion from a cultural/historical standpoint. The majority would also not deny the possibility that a god exists; they simply aren't impressed by what passes for "evidence" in the religious community.
Closed AccountJun 7, 2011
I would say the simplest classification for someone like you--and unlike atheist/agnostic, one that isn't ambiguous or subject to interpretation--is "non-believer". The fact that you have some interest in various religions isn't really important. Lots of non-believers are interested in religion from a cultural/historical standpoint. The majority would also not deny the possibility that a god exists; they simply aren't impressed by what passes for "evidence" in the religious community.
essteeJun 7, 2011
RE: Okay here's what I think someone label me please.
I think you should stop trying to please others and stand-up for what matters most.
Taking things a step further: Notice the complete lack of cohesion when it comes to online opinions and behavior? Ever question what's missing? Try humanism(see definition). Yes, in fact, digg.com is overrun with intolerants who are clueless on matters of social infrastructure(fundamentals).
Take it from someone who's been around long enough to know. Every day spent trying to please others on matters of life is a day wasted of your own life.
On matters of life and origin, I would simply tell you this. If there is a God out there.... then you owe it to yourself to investigate matters to the fullest extents. But giving-in to a gang mentality is futile.
Good luck(if one can say such a thing).
doodlemasterJun 7, 2011
Luck is when preperation or pre-disposed convenience meets opportunity.
popephredJun 8, 2011
The correct answer is: "doodlemaster."
I almost fell for that one, dm :) Just be you, whatever that might be.
jimmymycrushieJun 7, 2011
Well I'm not against believing in God, but you just don't know whether he/she exists or not. He/she might exist but since we don't know, makes sense if you don't believe in it. Like, you wouldn't believe I'm superhuman, would you?
pjpaulJun 7, 2011
More than 9 in 10 Americans believe McDonalds sells food too
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
Wait, they don't?!
sandersdamnitJun 7, 2011
6 out of 10 are pussies who don't want to upset the status quo or piss off their religious family. 2 out of 10 probably struggle with the issue at some point but probably really don't understand science so everything seems designed to them. 1 out of 10 probably really do believe in Yaweh. The other 1 out 10 are critical thinkers, realists and rationalists.
novenatorJun 7, 2011
"Do you believe in God or a universal spirit?"
I would say that the devil's in the details of this question. Non-religious folks typically poll at 10-20% in America if the question asks what religion folks classify themselves as, with another at least 10% saying they have more deistic beliefs (believe in some type of "universal spirit" or "ultimate order", but don't think there is any sentience behind it, and that it doesn't take a conscious role in shaping anything on Earth).
babakshiraziJun 7, 2011
So 90% of Americans are retarded.
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
I would posit that there are a great deal of people, past and present, who believe in a God, who are much, much smarter than you.
essteeJun 7, 2011
Ya but do they post on digg.com like these ones do?
AHAAAAAAH!
dudegivemeanameJun 7, 2011
I wonder how this poll gauged the "extremely" part. Are the rest "extremely" atheist? I need to start doing some "extreme" atheist activities.
improvisedJun 8, 2011
How about maybe self flogging every time you ask for God's help? Nah, that won't work, we're atheist--the antithesis of extreme.
LongLiveFluxrayJun 7, 2011
I'd be curious how many people believe in God compared to how many people "believe in God". A lot of people out there who usually say "Yeah, sure, I believe in God. My parents are Christians so I guess I am."
dizkokiddJun 7, 2011
more than 9 in 10?? does that mean there is a midget in the mix somewhere??
inajeepJun 7, 2011
I don't care if you are religious or not, if you open your mouth in a public forum, be prepared to read about the negative aspects of your religion and of your beliefs.
If your particular religion happens to have a hand in dumbing down science curriculum, local/state/fed govt policy, is against stem cell, subjugates women, is against Planned Parenthood and the good that they do then be prepared to defend your religion.
If you are spiritual or think there is something out there controlling us like puppets or has a hand in weather or sports events, don't follow an organized religion then you are harmless and funny but may get an ear full if you decide to try to convince others of the same superstition. Much like homeopathy, crystal users, wiccans, Scientology ..... Some of which may be damaging so be prepared to hear it from all sides how damaging it can be.
MyCollegeJun 7, 2011
I agree that belief in God does not make someone religious.
IwantUKSocialMediaJun 7, 2011
You wouldn't think so. Considering how loud atheists bark all the time on the internet.
inajeepJun 7, 2011
How loud are the fundamentalists for you?
IwantUKSocialMediaJun 7, 2011
About 10x quieter.
inajeepJun 7, 2011
Awesome, I'll just send the ones that come knocking on my door to you. You may also want to check your TV volume setting because the evangelist channels come in loud and clear when I skip by them. Double check your radio dial as well since I can hear the Christian channels perfectly clear.
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
Don't forget the GIANT FRIGGIN BILLBOARDS talking about how 'He (Jesus) died for you/your sins' along with the 'Judgment Day' bulls**t.
Oh, and these billboards don't get taken down, either. . .which is what happens to a lot of the few 'atheist' billboards that get put up.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
I don't think you know what that word means.
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
You keep using that word. . .I do not think it means what you think it means.
Apollo_501Jun 7, 2011
9 in 10 Americans refuse to give up the past.
mehlhornnilsJun 7, 2011
I am not surprise by this...i think this is not good for america..
i am from europe and i completly hate religion..theyare the cause of war and pein in the world...
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
Then you don't know much about politics or history.
I could elaborate but digg hates perspective and will bury me anyway, and I find people with that attitude don't give a s**t.
Needless to say, the world isn't black and white and religion is a complex beast that can go a million different directions and is inherently neutral.
silenceoftheassJun 7, 2011
"religion is a complex beast that can go a million different directions and is inherently neutral"
Sadly no. From what I see, personal belief is an inherently neutral thing. Religion (and in particular, organised religion) are far from neutral. See treatment of paedophiles by the catholic church, attitude towards non-believers etc...
noidea107Jun 7, 2011
If that's the case you're just arrogant and don't know much about religion.
Your typical catholic priest has nothing to do with raping kids and he doesn't care much about the nonbelievers eitherComment is buried, click here to see the rest.
silenceoftheassJun 7, 2011
If you really have no shame about the actions of the church surrounding all the paedophilia scandals - you're beyond a lost cause, really.
As for priests not caring much about non-believers - I hate to bring it up but abortion is one obvious example of where this clearly isn't true.
I'm seriously worried about you, America. You've got a number of deep-rooted societal problems that you're going to have great trouble shaking off.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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silenceoftheassJun 7, 2011
@ngc4414
Well, I'll tip my hat to you for acknowledging corruption exists. That's my big beef with organised religion (claiming the moral high ground). I don't have a issue with personal beliefs - have at em. Believe all you want to believe.
But please, keep it out of the running of the country and imposing *insert religion here*'s idea of a moral code.
In the west, the number of voices saying "we don't want sharia law" is huge - yet ask Christians to stay out of legislating law and it's "help, help I'm being repressed".
I won't get into debating abortion - I just wanted to point out to "noidea" how issues like these are indeed pushed on non-believers.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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noidea107Jun 7, 2011
You obviously overestimate the amount of influence the Vatican has over most Catholics.
The vast majority of priests had nothing. Absolutely nothing, to do with any of this.
When the vatican f**ks up I'll say it.
But you really are generalizing millions of people like an idiot because of the actions of a minority.
s**t, should we start lynching black people?
Go look up how many are in prison
As for abortion, if you aren't the slightest bit uncomfortable with it there is something wrong.
I'm not even religious and I don't think that is justifiable most of the time.
America's got a lot of problems.
And virtually none are religious in any significant way.
silenceoftheassJun 7, 2011
@noidea
Quote: "You obviously overestimate the amount of influence the Vatican has over most Catholics.
The vast majority of priests had nothing. Absolutely nothing, to do with any of this."
Unfortunately, the Vatican is the one insisting that priests take a vow of celibacy.
I mean, wouldn't you want to do everything you can to stop this?
Let the priests have sex. It's frankly mind blowing they won't do this - it's like they don't care......Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
geogeerJun 7, 2011
If celibacy was the problem, then this would've been an issue prior to this time. Now while isolated cases did happen, they did not happen with this regularity.
inajeepJun 7, 2011
He gives a valid example and you give an insult. Your debate skills need some work.
inajeepJun 7, 2011
You get buried because your elaborations are your opinion, not factual and for the most part wrong.
noidea107Jun 8, 2011
It's not an opinion, though.
Anybody with common sense should be able to see that you can't take something as broad and complex as "religion" and paint it all as "evil".
At the end of the day it's what people want it to be. I'm not going to blame all the worlds problems on that like an idiot.
Nothing is ever that simple.
I think the issue most people have is they want it to be :\
popephredJun 8, 2011
I dugg you up 1: Because you commented about being "buried", and I feel that there is nothing so dangerous that it can't be talked about. 2: I appreciate your perspective, and am confident that it is not so quickly pigeon-holed, and it would be a shame and a discredit to you to be so neatly tucked away in a category.
garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
I don't know what "pein" is, but I like the sound of it.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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garryfieldsJun 7, 2011
That's just as incorrect as saying religion is the cause of all war.
Here's a shocker: the cause of war is that humans are awful. If everyone followed the same exact religion, there'd still be war. If everyone had no religion, there'd still be war.
People don't need very good reasons to hurt others.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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mrratanJun 7, 2011
it does not bring good for any nation and country.
RalphusOneJun 7, 2011
Stoopid Humanz/Sheeple.
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
ACK ACK ACK! *fires ray gun*
DOGADHRUVJun 7, 2011
Thats a really good thing..
barackalypseJun 7, 2011
The alternative being what? Frankly an omnipotent being being responsible for the order in the Universe makes as much sense as all the matter in the Universe suddenly exploding on its own for some unknown reason, throwing everything into motion and somehow out of that life came into existence, but only on Earth as far as we can tell thus far?
silenceoftheassJun 7, 2011
No, no it doesn't.
Hint: One of these things has evidence in it's favour.
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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silenceoftheassJun 7, 2011
I don't know where to start ngc.
Are you really saying that the big bang theory and (quoting barack) "an omnipotent being being responsible for the order in the Universe" are one and the same thing ?
Ignoring your plea to read that book, you do realise that science is about best theory, not about the colour of the jersey of the guy who posited it?
I gave you props in another thread for being realistic about corruption - but here, I just can't see any further point in discussing with you.
mikepictorJun 7, 2011
Not in the least. An omnipotent being doing makes a great deal less sense than almost any other explanation.
Do not use life's existence "only" on earth as any argument either. There are more stars in the universe than any human being can properly grasp (one figure estimates it as 1,000 stars per grain of sand on earth). I consider it a near certainty that some of those stars have a planet bearing life, though it's likely we will never find evidence of it.
That is a form of faith, but it is a faith born of reasonable probability, and one I will concede could certainly be wrong (just probably not wrong)
pandaxrageJun 7, 2011
More than 9 in 10 American's unwilling to believe in science.
GzulaJun 7, 2011
You haven't heard of this site:
www.godandscience.org
ngc4414Jun 7, 2011
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pandaxrageJun 7, 2011
Cool list? Does this change the fact that 9 out of 10 American's actually believe they get to go to some fairy tale world after they die?
Religion is infringing on scientific, social, and technological advancement.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
inajeepJun 9, 2011
I don't think infringing is correct. Sabotaging may be more accurate.
charlesdkraussJun 7, 2011
90% of Americans are delusional, then.
(Functioning delusionals, at least. But many of them scare me.)
TheMightyZordonJun 7, 2011
Schizophrenics. They're everywhere!!
laurahoustonJun 7, 2011
well can't we tie that one un-believer to a chair and dunk them into the pond untill they believe??
Dugg_E_FreshJun 7, 2011
I believe in unicorns.
sattireattireJun 8, 2011
I believe you do!
supersayanyodaJun 7, 2011
more than 9 in 10? doesn't that mean 10?
MSaltmarshJun 7, 2011
This article really doesn't the real trending.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/128276/Increasing-Number-No-Religious-Identity.aspx
Younger generations are much less likely to have religious identity.
The trending suggests a much different view then what this article subscribes to.
Couple that with their wording, "Do you believe in God or a universal spirit?" and it begins to tear it all apart.
Besides why is it all us and them oriented. Wouldn't it be more useful to find out how many people actually believe in different religions as well as non belief?
Oh and they only polled a little over a thousand people..... blah worthless data.
i honestly don't care either way about religion increasing or decreasing. I just hate worthless data.
SimienV2Jun 7, 2011
Doesn't make it right.
ruyzJun 7, 2011
FTA:
Belief in God drops below 90% among younger Americans, liberals, those living in the East, those with postgraduate educations, and political independents. However, belief in God is nearly universal among Republicans and conservatives and, to a slightly lesser degree, in the South.