I hope no-one find this an offensive question. I don't mean it to be. I know religion provokes very strong reactions in people and I don't want anyone wanting to crucify me or pronounce a fatwah, or whatever it is.
It's just that it appears to me that the *most* religious countries are the poorest ones. The ones where people are existing in extreme poverty, and because of this, perhaps less educated. Richer, more sophisticated societies seem to be more secular.
I just want to understand!
2006-12-28 09:24:03 · 27 answers · asked by Guru Nana 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sorry, the USA maybe one of the most religious countries, but it certainly isn't one of the most sophisticated (as a whole). And the middle east may have the largest gross income, but that is conentrated amongst the very small percentage of rich people. Most of the people are poor and on subsistence living. I reiterate - it seems to me that the most religious people are the poorest and least educated. I'm sorry if anyone finds this offensive.
2006-12-28 09:38:58 · update #1
And to Ed Snow, whose answer I enjoyed, I would say.....it's not only the west that is spreading their influence.
2006-12-28 09:45:36 · update #2
WE are a nation of capitalism. Our religion is spread among many different cultures and beliefs. Other countries do not have the right to choose like we do, and they are forced into their religion. Yes, they are poor countries, but more than likely, the governing figures are rich....
Also, in most religions, we are taught that there is a better life than this one, and not to get wrapped up in materialistic possessions.
2006-12-28 09:30:50 · answer #1 · answered by Rebekah G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is probably not about the understanding of the religion. It is more probably about the affect that religion cast to a society. What you want to say and so many other people think is this that, why does not religion is effecting on any society. This is true that many nations that believe the most on religion are in miserable condition(undergoing wars against each-other, suffering with internal corruption, even worst dishonesty hath crept deep into the hearts of those people).
My suggestion is this that it is not the fault of religion. It is the fault of people who have turned their back to the practical demands of their religion. When you study any religion, you will notice that it will call you toward practical solutions, it gives you a practical solution to live your life in best possible way for your own benefit and most importantly others benefit collectively. The problem is this that they have not noticed those practical implementations of the religion. They have just taken their religion as fairy tales to tell and some rhymes, they are literally not following any teachings. They are not building their social rules and customs on the practical and organised grounds provided by their religion. If the religious studies are done in the light of social demands, it would certainly provide the best bases of a success full and progressive society not only for themselves but for every other being on earth.
Kind Regards,
Ahmad
2006-12-28 17:52:17 · answer #2 · answered by ahmad_thd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hurrah! At last someone notices, and dares to link education, poverty ,and social circumstances to religious belief systems. Where are the evangelists and missionaries targeting their efforts today? Poverty stricken countries, areas of poor educational standards, a power game which enables the West to spread its influence, and the poor to be brain- fed with lies.
2006-12-28 17:38:27 · answer #3 · answered by ED SNOW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it something to do with the richer someone gets and the more ease, the more self important and self indulgent and proud they tend to become and so turn away from God or the appearance of God ?
Man is naturally so proud and self righteous that he tends either to a mere religion or to something which he makes an idol of, and unfortunately more often than not, it takes hardship or disaster to turn him to think of God.
The big problem also is that religion turns man away from God, when a humble and personal search for Him with all the heart would be rewarded.
2006-12-28 20:00:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is in our humility that we are more able to embrace the teachings of religion and the acceptance and expectations of God. Not everyone who is wealthy excludes religion from their lives, so to be wealthy is not the defining element. It is the "love of money" that can cause the problem. Man can often place his dependency on what is in their worldly bank rather than their spiritual one. The natural result is that those who are perhaps "poor" in terms of their bank account have more inclination to seek divine help in their lives. Man tends to become the type of character upon whom he focuses whether as an individual or as a nation.
2006-12-28 18:16:42 · answer #5 · answered by Doug 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what is regarded as the greatest treasure. Being poor is not nice, being rich can cause those riches to become our God. Jesus said the poor will always be here. One can sin whether they are rich or poor. We have a duty to help the poor. When one is at their lowest they often turn more to God. Being poor is often the fault of corrupt governments also.
2006-12-28 17:41:56 · answer #6 · answered by Plato 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just heard this in a Podcast from a Cathlic Priest who stated that most people they can convert are from lower socio-economic status, poor education, and are easily convertable. If he walked up to a group of professors, he would not even try to convert them, but if he saw a group of kids hanging out in a parking lot, he said he could almost always convert them.
2006-12-28 18:20:16 · answer #7 · answered by Concerned 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I believe the key to understanding religion is 1 simple question. Do you believe in god, or do you not? Most religions if you look closely are somehow connected. For example, the Islamic people believe the christian bible to be true, they just believe that Koran is more current. So in other words, I believe that all religions are connected somehow. If I'm right about that, then you simply need to believe in god to be religious. Not 1 god over another, just god in general.
2006-12-28 17:28:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is true although to claim that it is a causal reltaionship would be a mistake. If you addup the gross national product of all 23 Islamic based states (countries), PUT TOGETHER they are less than the GNP of Spain.
Please ignore Peter D. The US is one of the LEAST religious countries in the world.
2006-12-28 17:27:43 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The rich stray away from God's kingdom. Simple as that, they are arrogant and they neglect to worship the God who has lavished his blessings on them.
The poor praise the Lord for every little blessing, such as a smile.
I know which I'd rather be.
2006-12-28 17:29:44 · answer #10 · answered by Nini 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋