Why do Europeans find religion so difficult?

Question

Religious belief appears to be a human universal, found in every culture and in all periods of history. Uniquely in Europe during the past four hundred years there has developed an increasingly severe critique of religion, seeing it as no more than a delusion, authoritarian, cruel and contrary to the findings of science. Like every other human institution religion certainly has its appalling failings, but its concern for ultimate meaning, its accumulated wisdom on the deepest aspects of human nature, its concern for virtue, its function in providing social coherence and strength in suffering - all these must also be considered, and are taken into account in other cultures. Only in Europe and those parts of the world influenced by European ideas, does one find such a depth of anger and contempt for what I would regard as a core aspect of what it is to be a complete human being. Why?

Answer 1

Europe went into industrialization and Renaissance long before the rest of the world. They've gone past the intense review of separation of church from the state and society and in the context of today's world, have come one full circle to relook and revise the stance they had adopted.

Their society had matured ahead of others, including America which was founded on entirely new principles. What we see today is the result of decades and centuries of going through the turmoil of Monarchy, Church control, industrialization and the emancipation of the rural folks, military dictatorships, democracy, deep thoughts and changes in the area of separation of state, society and religion.

Unlike Europe, the rest of the modern world developed at a slower pace in the separation of state and religion and we tend to see the current state of separation of religion from society in Europe through the lens of our own experience and context, be it from the US, Latin America, Africa or Asia.

In a manner of looking at things, the European colonists 'founded' the rest of us, quite often 'in the name of their Kings or Head of Church' but after the turmoil of the 1st and 2nd world wars, it is the 'founded' who have retained the religious piety and practices in our society.

Answer 2

It is an interesting question. I think the problem has become distorted over time though. I dont belive that most American differ that much on certain aspects of religion. For instance, the vast majority feel that a sharp seperation between religion and state is justified. Not every person who believes in God feels that bible study and 8th grade math should be interchangeable. Here's the rift- Religious people feel that non- religious people discount that God and religion were at the forefront when the founders mapped out the republic. As time goes by religion is further marginalized under the "seperation" issue. Religious people feel that because God and religion helped guide the framers, that America is a better place. Non-religious people do not.

Answer 3

I'll give you props for being good at making an important-sounding speach out of a complete lack of fact--you'd make a damn good politician--but your thoughts are a bit unfounded.
". . . . its accumulated wisdom on the deepest aspects of human nature. . . ." Religion's only stance on human nature is that it's sinful and one should do all in one's power to NOT be human, but rather like some perfect concept of our imagination. Behold the Seven Deadly Sins; each "sin" represents some aspect of human nature critical to survival and yet religion vilifies them all. I challenge you to name any one of the Seven Deadly Sins and I'll explain to you how they are healthy elements of human nature. Granted not all religions follow these exact rules. Eastern religions like Buddhism, for example, had no such list of unmentionable acts, yet it's teachings deal in deprivation at an equal level to, if not surpassing Judeo-Christianity. Life is suffering, suffering is caused by desire. While I'll admit this phylosophy has a bit of truth to it, it's not quite completely accurate. The truth is that suffering is only caused by the INABILITY to attain what is desired. Buddhism is a religion for those with no initiative. Accepted sophisms which are nut subject to question are very dangerous. Without the element of doubt, without questioning what we've been told, we'd still think that the sun and moon and all other heavenly bodies were set in crystal spheres that circled around the Earth and were pushed by angels, or that atoms were filled with jelly.
To answer your question about why Europe disregards religion so, the reason is that unlike less developed countries, the populations of Europe and European-influenced countries are exposed to hard sciences (such as physics and astronomy) and social sciences (such as anthropology and psychology) which shed light on the TRUE aspects of human nature.

Answer 4

Because they are more familiar with religions than Americans or anyone else. Europeans endured over 1,000 years of persecution by Catholics, Protestants, Jews & Muslims.

After about 1,000 years, people would probably get tired of various religious groups using their neighborhoods as sports arenas or battlefields to conduct religious wars against each other.

Answer 5

YOU would regard it "as a core aspect of what it is to be a complete human being". Apparently, many europeans do not. That is your answer.

Answer 6

As a German who has stood in front of the gas chambers and the ovens, I can tell you first hand the damage it can do. And don't bother telling me, it's not religion's fault because it is religious indifference and intolerance that lead to the murder of millions.

Answer 7

Because they realise that god is dead.

What relevence can religion possibily have for someone today? Is not human reason the highest ideal, the most advanced of thoughts? There is no need to appeal to any higher power when you ARE the higher power.

Answer 8

Maybe they have different ideas of what core aspects define being human, and rightfully recognize religion as the plague that it is.

Answer 9

Because Europeans are people of the home. They do not look to outside authority to determine their interests and make rules for them. They are more individualistic than we are, and really, more modern and educated.

Answer 10

in europe we no religion is a lie con the brainwashing is not working here i feel sorry for the usa thay are stuck with the brainwashing christians