Religion can be harmless if somewhat passive and your life (and others) isn't based on the writings of some obscure book written thousands of years ago with so many innacuracies it's hard to take seriously, but when it starts limiting the intellectual growth and potential of a whole culture, isn't that pretty dangerous?
Most of Europe can't even think of arguing something like teaching our kids Evolution but in America, it's a whole national debate!!
The least religious countries ( Norway, Canada, Finland...) have the lowest crime rates, so what's that about religion and moral values?
2006-12-19 05:37:57 · 13 answers · asked by Jmyooooh 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because Europe is not far removed from the time when the church ruled the country. They realize the danger were as we have had religious freedom for so long that we have forgotten the reason we wrote it into the constitution.
2006-12-19 05:43:29 · answer #1 · answered by diogenese_97 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
There are more zealots in the US, because of the "peculiar" American way that Americans like to have God their way. I have looked at a particular report that had the so-called statistics you suppose, but it appeared to be tilted by the person who wrote it. In fact, the Catholic and Luteran countries (Norway, Italy, Ireland) did quite well. So too did Japan with it peculiar religion, which anthropologist insist the Japanese people tie in with their very existence.
I say, the problems are caused by the "new" protestant religions being proud that their religions is "the only way," which is contrary to the justification beliefs of other older Christian religions and destroy the unity of mankind.
Check the religions and immigration statistics for the countries. Then look back at the research paper. You'll see that the people of the country say they belief in something even if the report asserts they don't. The one I looked at said "absolute" belief, which is a way to inherently skew the statistics (and I'm duely licensced). I just disregarded it as a bigoted attempt to disprove the value of religion. It was bad science.
If you have a better one, please post. Otherwise, try again.
2006-12-19 13:51:04 · answer #2 · answered by BigPappa 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Europe endured 2 world wars. (Yes, the US was involved too, but US casualties were much smaller in comparison to many European countries. Many of them had enormous loss of civilian life and property and infastructure damage that took generations to overcome). The loss of life and misery hit nearly every family in many European countries. WW2 is not ancient history in Europe like it is thought of here in the US. The scars are still very real. Being that so much death and misery was due largely to zealotry and fanatisism.... even though in the case of the wars it was not religious-based it had to do with power and control... people in Europe are now generally opposed to zealotry whether it is religious or political. They know first hand the suffering that can come from extreme veiwpoints.
2006-12-19 13:55:02 · answer #3 · answered by J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Europe, sadly, has greatly lost sight of God.
You call it an obscure book - but it is a matter of faith - this is nothing new - people have been putting themselves first for thousands of years because it is easier to do than to accept there is something greater.
Lower crime rate associated with non-belief in God? Lower crime rates come with the morality that belief in God brings - you cited three very cold climate and less densely populated countries which is the real reason for their lower crime rates. I would hate to think what crime rates would be WITHOUT belief in God.
What is the crime rate in Central Europe? What are the moral issues?
America was founded on Christian principles (that is why it is successful) and in short those who acknowledge that and observe it are standing in recognition to an increasing number who have a fallen, self-centered culture and do not acknowledge it.
2006-12-19 13:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
The USA was founded by Christian Zealots. The Puritans were mad because the government in England wasn't enforcing their type of religion, so they hopped ship and came to the New World to do as they please. They were not oppressed; they were mad because they couldn't oppress everyone else.
While not everyone who came to America was a Zealot, we have to deal with their descendants as well.
Also, about 200 years ago, Christian theology changed, especially in America. Before, it was believed that God elected people for salvation, but recently it was decided that people could be saved if they loved Jesus a whole lot.
2006-12-19 13:42:34 · answer #5 · answered by Mrs. Pears 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Europe slaughtered itself over religion. Those who ran away came to America and hid for several centuries until it was safe. Let's face it, American religious zealots are cowards.
2006-12-19 15:43:59 · answer #6 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One would think that someone would write a book about this stuff.
...Wait.
Sam Harris did. Read "The End of Faith" and "Letter to a Christian Nation".
...and cheer like you're in a mob rooting him on in a fight.
2006-12-19 13:40:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't believe large numbers of Christian congregations are going to jail.
2006-12-19 13:42:55 · answer #8 · answered by <><><> 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone is going to tell you Europe is a hedonistic hellpit I bet. Not true, but I bet they will.
2006-12-19 13:40:21 · answer #9 · answered by Bones 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
America is the head quarters of Evangelism.
2006-12-19 13:39:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋