Why are there so few atheists in the world?

Question

Man, I hate it when people ask for references (it makes me work harder).

Anyway,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_atheism

Answer 1

It's natural for humans to look to find that greater source. God fills that bill. It makes sense that he created everything. It makes sense that he has this plan for us. And it's almost too good to be true. People want to believe it, so they do.

I would guess that Atheists, being in a minority, wouldn't shout it from the hilltops about their choice. They wouldn't have a reason to. It causes drama, there's nothing in it for them, etc.

Christians on the other hand seem proud to tell about it, and are even encouraged. It's 'spreading the good news'. In atheism, there's no good news to spread.

Answer 2

Not many people have come to believe that there are no god/s in this world. It is a rather new idea so in a while probably more people will start to believe in it soon. Sort of like how it took a long time for people to accept Christianity. Now it is one of the Worlds biggest religions! I'm "Christian" but just cause my family is so... But the big question iswhat you want to believe in; not what others beleive in. A lot of Atheists also don't want to have part in religion too so that's the best I can do.

Answer 3

Much more plentiful than Atheists are Agnostics (who are very, very similar) and people who say they are a religion but don't literally believe in it. A good percentage of Europeans are nominally Christian and most Japanese are Agnostic but Buddhist. By this metric, a good proportion of people in modern, industrialized nations are skeptical or agnostic, even if they don't use the stronger-sounding moniker, "Atheist".

Furthermore, to say you are an Atheist is for many to say you have no culture. Non-religious people may celebrate Easter in a Church, go to a temple, etc., because it is their culture. It's just not fun to have a Atheist wedding or celebrate "humanlight" instead of Christmas.

Answer 4

As opposed to those who believe in manmade religions? Probably closer to 50/50 than you think. And most religious people I know and observe are doing for social reasons, as their acts, Like Bush's obsession with Saddam Hussien, clearly show they "practice" religion to fit in socially, not that they really believe in their particular religions. Otherwise, we would have no wars, no suicide bombers, as none of the religions of the world teach to do these things. In the US over 20% of our children live in poverty, in the wealthiest nation on earth. Many go to bed hungry, are malnourished, and developmentally delayed. But I don't see all of the 70 or 80% religious people lending much of a hand, just building their own wealth.

Answer 5

I don't believe it is that there are so few athiests in the world, but I think the better question is: Why are there so many christians in the world who don't act upon the will and teachings of Christ?; or So many budhists who don't follow the will of Buddha? This is a problem in which most people find that they don't respect the religion they are "apart of". If you can't respect your own religion, then why are you part of it? It is not that there are few athiests, it is that there are a lot of athiests who profess they are a part of some religion.

Answer 6

i agree with what other have said. atheists don't push their beliefs on others and know that many times if they voice their beliefs they will offend a religious person and many times, send them off on a rant.

its the double standard. christians can shove their books and beliefs down everyones throats but if an atheist voices their disbelief, it will offend people.


in my highschool i had a friend my freshman year that wore a shirt that simply read "he's not my god". they gave him a dress code violation and made him wear a loaner shirt. yet christians wear all kinds of religious-sloganed shirts and its all fine and dandy. his shirt was not even offensive! what happened to freedom of speech!?



/rant

Answer 7

There are plenty of atheist in this world IE.. positive one, negative, agnostics, so many different kinds take your pick. Enjoy yourselves and have a pleasant life and remember treat everyone with respect.

Answer 8

To be that you would have to believe in no God or higher power and that you are completely in charge of all life and nature.
I really think that a lot of people who to claim to be an atheist are really agnostic.

Answer 9

Im sure there are alot more than you know. I meam im atheist. I dont think its bad. I just dont believe in any religion. I wasnt born into any, but I my family started going to church when I was little and I just decided not to becasue it wasnt what I believed in.

Answer 10

I thin society teaches everyone to belive in somthing, even when you are young parents teacher and other authority figures help mold your beliefs.... I am sure there are a lot of athesists, but i don't know how you will find them It's not like your going to see them at church or somthing...