Most polls claim that about 90% of the population belives in GOd. But, When I hear many people say " You only live once " or things similar .... it makes me think that they really don't believe in the afterlife. The afterlife and heaven only seem to be comforting things that many people think of during funerals. Saying things like .... "They're in a better place now .... "
I really believe, through word and action that the majority are really atheists ....... or agnostic . WHat is your opinion ??
2007-03-12 16:36:51 · 15 answers · asked by burlingtony 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well it depends on how you ask the question. I have seen polls as high as twenty. Ten is the low side. I think it is 12-15% taking the number that I have seen into account.
I think most Christians say they are Christians, but really don't practice it or give it a whole lot of thought. I think that they are pretty close to agnostic in that they really act like they don't buy that eternity is at stake, but they are not quite there. I also think there are some closet atheists that don't admit it openly, and I can't say that I blame them.
I can't say that I have ever met an atheist over 25 that hadn't thought it out. So I don't see the reverse as true.
2007-03-12 16:46:09 · answer #1 · answered by Alex 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In Japan, for example, the weddings are typically Shinto rites, while the funerals are Buddhist-run affairs. There's a whole lot more 'personal ecumenism' than a lot of people admit.
Agnosticism makes a statement about whether or not certainty is possible, not about what is or is not there - it's saying something entirely different from theism or atheism. I'd say the vast majority of people admit that there's a limit to what we can be certain about, and as such, we're all at least a little bit agnostic. I describe myself as an atheist because 'agnostic' doesn't explain my position as closely - I'll be very surprised if there turns out to be any sort of deity, and more so if it turns out to be Big Daddy I Am, but I'm not willing to say it's impossible.
And hey, there are times when a box underground in a cemetary is a "better place" than a bed at a nursing home or what-have-you.
It seems to me that there's still enough of a stigma associated with being an 'out' atheist that you would get skewed results on face-to-face polls.
2007-03-13 00:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by Doc Occam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When people say "you only live once", that doesn't discount an afterlife. I know of Pagans who might say this, but that doesn't discount their belief in reincarnation. What's meant is that a person, as they are, will live only once. The next life will be as a different person. The soul, or essence may be the same, but the name, the circumstances, and even their memories will be different.
This particular life will end; this does not preclude another from taking place.
2007-03-12 23:41:02 · answer #3 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well - I think a lot of people confuse beleiving with actual knowing. When trauma happens they want to believe while trying to cope with the reality. I don't think they are agnostic perse. Instead, you also have to remember that funerals are a time of mourning. Most people are at a lost for words - and it really isn't approriate to tell someone that their realtive is in hell. Regardless of personal beliefs. So we get a lot of wishy-washy comments instead.
I can tell you that I'm in your minority - I was once an atheist. So I truly get to know the difference.
2007-03-12 23:43:35 · answer #4 · answered by noncrazed 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people claim christianity for social purposes... they really don't care or go to church... and if they were honest are more than likely agnostic. But, they get counted at the polls...
I'd love to see an anonymous poll... not one asked at the mall....
My info is anecdotal.
2007-03-12 23:41:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree that the majority of people who say they are whatever denomination of Xian, are just paying lipservice out of habit. Their parents were Xian, so they say they are too. I don't believe 90% of the US population could possibly be serious Xians. I just can't believe that many people could really believe all that nonsense.
2007-03-12 23:40:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some people who claim to be Christians are not Christians at all. Id say about 2/3 of "Christians" are headed straight to hell. God will not tolerate people who bear false witness against him, people who claim to be saved then do worse things than unbelievers.
2007-03-12 23:45:52 · answer #7 · answered by thetachi136 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm christian
I believe at this present time fewer people are true christians.
Many claim to be a denomination or religious (kept to theirself).
Romans 10
2007-03-12 23:43:05 · answer #8 · answered by robert p 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Could not agree more. And that's kind of sad isn't it? Especially the part about, "they're in a better place". Are they?
2007-03-12 23:49:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that more people do actually question their beliefs, but they won't admit to it. It's their own "dirty little secret" and they think if they don't say it out loud then it really isn't true.
2007-03-12 23:40:20 · answer #10 · answered by Stormilutionist Chasealogist 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋