Most people know that Europe is not a very "believing" region of the world. But, I keep being amazed by this Harris poll of the United States:
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=707
Atheism is increasing at 1% a year, and the younger you are, the less you believe in God. Among 25 to 29 year olds, only 60% believe. This compared to 80% among those 50-64. The United States is most definitely following the European trend toward religion.
Does that scare theists?
2006-12-17 08:04:58 · 8 answers · asked by STFU Dude 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I mean, the European trend REGARDING religion.
2006-12-17 08:07:59 · update #1
I once read an article talking about why religious Americans are SOOO vocal and adamant in their faith. He proposed that because America was founded by so many people of so many faiths, many people were scared of losing thier own traditions and faith. So they worked extra hard to keep up with them. The result: Now America is the only country where people still fight to get books like Harry Potter banned and strike Evolution from textbooks.
I'd say they are scared. But that's America. In other countries without so much diversity, people may not care so much about keeping their faith because they are constantly surrounded by it and have no fear of forgetting it or being assimilated by another culture.
2006-12-17 08:10:09 · answer #1 · answered by retzy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, in fact it is a fulfillment of scripture, for the 'End Times". 2nd Thessalonians 2. The church per se has always been small in numbers, never popular.
Your figures are about right for both Europe and America. Around 1962 prayers were prohibited in schools and then the public. Secular humanism, the religion of atheists grew as did, crime, out of wedlock births and drug abuse flourished along with their teachings. There is less reference to God unless it is in mockery.
2006-12-17 16:27:18 · answer #2 · answered by Stormchaser 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't surprise me that the younger generation are the ones who are less likely to believe in God. That's why Atheism almost seems like a fad, teenagers act like it's "cool", so it seems like they are simply rebelling from what mom and dad rammed into their heads and forced them to believe...that's why most Atheists choose to focus on criticizing Christianity and ignoring all other religions.
I bet most will grow out of it and learn that there are more choices other then Atheism or Christianity...you can compromise.
2006-12-17 16:12:20 · answer #3 · answered by James P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's concerning. I want ppl to follow Christ so that they'll get to heaven. The fact that so many are denying Him means that they won't accept His morals, and without absolute morality, everything is relative, and justice is hard to deliver, bc maybe someone's relative morals say that stealing is ok? Relativism is a dangerous idea bc of that, it provides no absolute standard to live by. So, the denial of God and His standard is concerning.
2006-12-17 16:08:16 · answer #4 · answered by STEPHEN J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I firmly believed something and I was the only one on earth who believed it it would not matter who else believed what.
I don't have a bit of trouble seeing myself as being correct and the rest of the world as confused.
Love and blessings Don
2006-12-17 16:10:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had the highest amount of faith in God so far when i was younger, between 5-10 years old. the younger you are, is Not the less you believe in God, how ridiculous.
2006-12-17 16:12:47 · answer #6 · answered by Nikki 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the contrary, the Bible even predicts the backsliding of the world before Jesus comes back onto earth. Nevertheless, come Jesus!
2006-12-17 16:08:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
are they not for this?
anyway, Islam is the new religion in Europe due to some atheists and politicians being too scared to tackle Islam.
2006-12-17 16:08:15 · answer #8 · answered by Abdul 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋