Can I argue that religious belief is like smoking?

Question

In the following regards:

(1) Once they get hooked it's harder to stop.

(2) It tends to affect the lower education strata of the population.

I ask this because a recent question on here, whether science is having an impact, made me think perhaps no amount of science can have an impact without good education -- and early.

Because church starts a lot earlier than school.

Replies from responsible individuals appreciated.

Answer 1

Really, if a bird had your brain, it would fly backwards. Next silly question?

Think about it while I light up my cigarette.

Answer 2

Perhaps. Both are a habit with harfmul effects. One to the mind, the other to the body. Both tend to affect the weaker willed with addictive tendancies, in the population. Certainly, the higher the education level, the less they have religious beliefs (as a statistic people it is true, so don't get nasty with the facts).

Education has an impact - that is why only 5% of biological scientists from the NAS have any religious belief, while 91% of the population in America say they do. In other countries without the push to not misrepresent science, their religious belief is much lower.

However, I agree with Dawkins that religion is more like a virus.

Answer 3

If you want an answer from a responsible individual, then ask a real grown-up question.
Christianity is not a religion, it is a reality.
It is who we are, where we are from, and where we are going. Its everything of before the flesh, here in the flesh, and after the death of the body.
What exactly do you mean to say that it affects the lower education strata of the population? Before I would even get to the 35 yrs of studies in the manucripts, along with literacy in three Bible languages, my
medical schooling is probably more education that you have gotten in your entire life; have fun being insulting, but you
are nothing more than a hot-air balloon.

Answer 4

You could argue that, even though religious belief is actually beneficial to your health, religious people (despite the fact that atheists claim to be always happy) have lower rates of depression.

As to Science having an impact, I doubt any child no matter the degree of religiosity they were brought up with, does not believe in evolution. Is is being taught a lot in the public school systems of most states

Answer 5

the goal of religion is to make you well again, religion is an infirmiry for the spiritually sick who must undergo the cleansing fire in order to rise up cleansed and renewed, Jesus said something along the lines of "I have not come for the righteous, but for the sinners, those who are well have no need of a doctor" something like that..
i doubt smoking could have any benefits whatsoever but its possible

Answer 6

Yes..but you only go to church once week....Religion is something we are taught by our Parents....up to us to decide our beliefs..not because you are told too..or its the right thing..smoking is addiction that came be cured

Answer 7

You can, but you'll have to come up with more proof than that. #2 isn't exactly a fact. There are plenty of extremely intelligent people, some of them Atheists, who smoke.

Answer 8

you know what, I'm going to have a cigarette and think about it for a while.

edit: to those who say religion is beneficial: bwhahaha pull the other one, it has bells on.

Answer 9

You may argue from that premise, if you so choose.
I fully expect someone to argue back that your stance will result in smoking. Yours as you burn.
Of course, every one is entitled to his/her opinion.
I guess we'll both just have to learn to live with that.
Peace!!

Answer 10

no u cant say that bcoz religion is a good thing that purifies you while smoking is not.It is good to be addicted to something which is good.....