Does being Christian make people less moral?

Question

I posted a similar question but it seems most people misunderstood it or did not read it carefully.


When we compare FREE developed nations, those that are more secular have the lowest rates of dysfunctionality. While those with hightst religiosity have the highest rates of dysfunctionality.

For this study’s purpose, “dysfunctionality” is defined by such indicators of poor societal health as homicide, suicide, low life expectancy, STD infection, abortion, early pregnancy, and high childhood mortality (under five-years old). Religiosity is measured by biblical literalism, frequency of prayer and service attendance, as well as absolute belief in a creator in terms of ardency, conservatism, and activities.

http://www.skeptic.com/the_magazine/featured_articles/v12n03_are_religious_societies_healthier.html


Also, as measured at the time of conviction, atheists are incarcarated at rates far below their representation in the population:
http://www.holysmoke.org/icr-pri.htm

BigPoppa: Both Italy and Ireland are more secular than the US - compare the results.

Answer 1

HAHA, the study appears to show that Catholicism (Ireland, Italy) leads to healthier societies. Take that to the bank... but more in prison?

Oh, I got it, Hispanic immigrants are mostly Catholic.

You need a good variety of knowledge to get it.

"Secular" based on church attendance and % who take the Bible literaly? They are not at all secular based on those who associate themselves with Catholicism. Are they?

Japan is doing a fabulous job, of course, they have their aging population.

This statistical research is a betrayal of the statistical process, nothing is even attempted to be held constant, and everyone lumped into non-representative groupings, based on...

Consider, for instance the closeness of the European countries religions to (and the dominance of the very old and the Catholic religion in those) to the young Christian religions with their liberal doctrines in the US.

There is WAY more going on here than these weakling surface scans say.

And I object to even the ambiguous conclusion the author has drawn, based on his interpretation of what religion is...

And what is this on the prison survey:
Unknown/No Answer 18381
Ya, pretty much if you don't say your a Christian, you are considered not a Christian (it's like a capital offense in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, to deny your God - so if you don't answer, you're not.)

Conclusion:
And, yes, I was expecting to see some well done research, but as soon as I realized it was only two pages, and it was so simple. I have yet to see a good statistical assessment of this, but I would love to. Are there any better available?

Answer 2

The studies don't look very scientific. The definitions of "religiosity" are very narrow, leaving out a lot of people who would regard themselves as religious. The "dysfunctionality" list looks cherry-picked, as if social problems had been included or excluded based on the results they would have produced. The prison poll is based on self-reported religious affiliation, and 20% is "unknown!" The report conclusion states that the atheist population is disproportianately underrepresented in prison populations, but the same holds true in Congressional representation. Minorities are always disproportianately represented in specific social categories other than sheer population. Too many other influential factors are ignored, such as the religious preferences of police, prosecutors, judges and jailers.

Arguing from statistics is ultimately a useless effort. It's comparable to arguing from the Bible. People simply won't agree, no matter how many numbers and sources you push at them. It's better to discuss the moral implications of different belief systems. Does belief in a final judgment and punishment system make people behave better socially? Does the expectation of forgiveness inhibit or disinhibit a person? A sincere consideration of the issues, especially including people with experience, may not resolve them, but it will likely provoke actual thought rather than mindless repetition of dogma.

Answer 3

Tut tut tut Ms. Stem cellular the states you point out have been digital killing fields for years be it inner skill struggles, ethic killings or the severe newborn deaths in those international places. the social ills eclipse any element contained in the US. The exception is Japan the place their social ills in the beginning up seem to be decrease until you soak up Japans severe suicide which eclipse the US. that's why over a million human beings consistent with 12 months legally enter are u . s . a . ever 12 months to flee places (no longer Japan) like that. the US does have it social ills yet my evaluation to the international places you point out a ways below you may opt for to believe. you're hung up on Christians their i think of are your whipping boy perhaps you opt for them to grant your that warn and fuzzy feeling. by using the way the folk of those international places are God's little ones as all of us are God's little ones. Your question is regrettably crammed with incorrect information you would be able to desire to choose directly to take it gradual and do slightly diagnosis it incredibly is totally a guideline please do no longer enable the fact frighten you.

Answer 4

When you highest value is God, society or whim. (Christians cover all three) they can morally sacrifice 1 or more humans in support of that stated highest value. Therefore , not moral at all, in fact very immoral!
Humans are the reason fro morality, therefore humans must be the highest value in order for the system to be truly moral. You can't sacrifice any, against their will. And killing in self defense is moral.

Answer 5

Religion is a label, like on a can of beans, if you put a different label on it you still have a can of beans. Just different marketing. The person's heart is what decides morality.

Answer 6

Not necessarily. It's true that atheists are usually very well-behaved, have low divorce rates, etc... but that probably isn't directly caused by atheism. Rather, critical thinking and intellectual honesty lead to both atheism and good behavior.

Answer 7

1. No.

2. I don't click on links.

Answer 8

I believe this shows that "religion" is needed to define morals.

Answer 9

Being male definitely seems to make a person less moral.

Answer 10

Morality is society imposed, and individually acted. Religion has nothing to do with morality.