How many people do you think lie about their religion?

Question

In this I mean, how many people do you think lie on the census about their religion because they fear being targeted by the government or being discriminated against? And how many politicians just say they're some denomination of Christianity because they want the religious to trust them?

I'm only asking because I know A LOT of Atheists who simply identify themselves with some branch of Christianity (usually what they were raised in) because religion is not really important in their lives and they don't want to be preached at or discriminated against for being an Atheist.

So could it be that the statistical number of Christians is greatly exaggerated and that there are more Atheists and Other-than-Christians out there than we actually know?

I mean after all - it's still not really acceptable to be an Atheist or "Other" in our society and a lot of people will say anything to keep or get a job or retain social standing

I suppose I also mean in other parts of life. My dad, who was raised Catholic, owns his own businesses. He tells people he's Catholic all the time if they ask (and evidently it's something that comes up in the business world). But in reality, he's a hard core Atheist and hasn't been to church since he got married.

Answer 1

I know I lied about my Atheism to people. For example when i first talk to a girl and she asks me "What religion are you?" I will say "I was raised catholic" Depending on how much i know her i might go "I was raised catholic but I am not religious." I usually don't go "I am an Atheist and I dislike religion"

I would not lie on a census.

I do think there is a large amount of people who just put down the religion of their parents. While they them selves are not religions at all. They just don't spend time examining what they believe in. They are in a sense Agnostics who just go along with religion. They have no real knowledge of the bible they just practice on holidays.

Answer 2

It's the other way around,at least in urban areas. People can be a little shy about mentioning their religion. You'd be amazed at the way people jump all over them,accusing them of everything from the Crusades to Jim Baker. I'm sure the Census is reasonably accurate. As far as non-believers go,most that I know don't describe themselves as "atheists" which implies some kind of hostile attitude. They go, "well,I'm just not really a religious person". Sounds like a reasonable approach. People tend to accept that well enough,although I suppose an evangelical would seize the opportunity to preach.
Unless you're in the south or some small town,I'm not sure I would agree with the premise of your question.

Answer 3

I do on occasion. I'm a Hindu, but I've decided that I will not tell my parents this. They are Christians, and it would just upset them too bad to know my religious beliefs, and I don't see any reason why they really need to know anyway. I thoroughly respect their Christianity, and am not offended by it, so I don't feel any need to verbally speak out against it or anything like that.

I do tell the truth about my religion when I feel that they will not be able to find out. But for instance, one time, I was having a medical procedure done, and my mom was sitting right there when I was filling out the paperwork, where it asked my religion. I put "Methodist" because that's what my family is. She would have been so upset if I had put anything else.

Answer 4

wow I never considered it lying.

I just took the religion of my parents and how I was raised.
It's not something you can just get out of you like that, esp. if you have a "holy spirit" mom and a church you were raised in that seems dead set on you getting baptized and formally added as a part of that church.

I say Christian because in time of trouble christ is who I turn to, but I'm not religious, because religion seems to spoil Christianity so much.

I see Christianity as a faith,not religion.

so I guess I identify as Christian, non religious. And that seems fine to me.

I dont trust politicians, as soon as I found out so many people lie about religion like that and I saw the true effects, I lost the trust. Now I just look at which ones are truely concerned about my needs. No so much thier values, but the ones that will get something done on my behalf.

Answer 5

I don't know if it's actually "lying". I know many people who are marginal, or not practicing will simply check the faith that they grew up in. Many people who go to hospitals for serious illnesses will say they belong to a particular religon because they wish to speak to somebody. They'll say they are catholic because they wish to talk to a priest, but they may not be Catholic at all.

Too, some will say they are Jewish when flying because a Kosher meal appeals to them.

It's about convenience or comfort. I don't think that people filling out census forms are worried about experiencing prejudice. The forms are anonymous. It's just what they are comfortable with checking on a box.

Answer 6

I would rather be discrimnated agianst than be dishonest about what i believe.

I am: an Agnostic Taoistic Pantheistic Polytheistic Pagan with a hint of Buddhism.

Oh and i dont like christians for what theyve done to my personal life.


So could it be that the statistical number of Christians is greatly exaggerated and that there are more Atheists and Other-than-Christians out there than we actually know?

there are studies that show some christian sects count ex christians as christians that still practice to make thier numbers seem bigger, and some christian sects count innocent children to make themselves seem bigger as well.

Answer 7

I am sure it does happen. I didn't ever register as any political party. I did that because I have seen clips of the Mcarthy trials. I have never done the census, but, with the political clout now, I would probably not put Atheist down because it is scary.

Answer 8

I don't think it is so much a lie for most as it is a tradition. I know many, many people who profess a religion simply because it is the religion that their parents passed on to them.

Having said that, you may well be right that Christianity is overstated. Many of these people may also believe in the basic tenets of Christianity but they just don't really give it much thought. Not that they are atheist but more that they prefer to just not think about it.

Answer 9

A few, but I think it is a relatively small number. There isn't really a reason to on the Census. And I have never been asked on a job interview.

Answer 10

you ought to not be frightened of lack of life. you ought to open your eyes and be attentive to lack of life and then locate the limitations of your existence and push on the limitations. faith in my concepts is a waste. what you do or have self assurance when you've study the bible or the curan or the e book of mormon or what ever else is for sale's thoroughly as a lot as you. each and every thing you do from second to second straight away outcomes your next second in existence. you're saying you want a sparkling concepts provide up fearing lack of life. awaken in the morning completely understanding that at any second you ought to die and then pass ahead inclusive of your existence figuring out on to be a strong man or woman or a foul man or woman completely attentive to the failings round you. My merely suggestion is that you stick with the course of your man or woman figuring out on. you are able to stick with some different person or learn by technique of this man or woman or that yet in no way enable them take complete administration consistently be attentive to the options.