So why do you think there seem to be more atheists than religious folk in the R&S section?

Question

One guess would be that the high-school and college-aged people of most countries are both less religious than their elders, and more inclined to be online for longer, hence more atheists active on Yahoo Answers in general.

That only accounts for some of it though. I have more theories, but I'd like to hear your opinions now.
No hateful answers, please, I'm looking for serious theories. (Well, funny ones are fine - just no "Because ___ group is dumb" answers)

Oooh...I find it interesting that a few people bashed others anyway, and how a couple assumed I was Christian or didn't want atheists here automatically. In all honesty, I'm atheist myself.

Barbara: Actually, note that I made a point to say "religious" and not "Christian" in my question, so I don't know where you're getting that from.

Gaia: Hmmm...good point about the Amish and computers, though that would only account for a tiny percent.

mantazma: "atheists like to learn, and criticize" Haha, harsh but fair. I think that applies to many religious people as well. :)

livinintheword: You have a very thoughtful answer, I like that. And I tried to phrase my question carefully, though I guess some meaning was lost. I don't think religious people spend less time online or that there are more atheists in general, but that the lower percentage of religious young people compared to their elders causes the perception of there being more atheists online.

David Flournoy: "Please don't view me as defending them" Actually, I am one of "them", so I don't mind the defense. :) And thank you for being kind and understanding, I really do appreciate it. I like your theory, and that is one reason I like answering questions, to correct misconceptions about atheists. That probably accounts for some of it as well.

godisfunny: Well, that's honest of you at least. ;)

Parrot: So true! I'm much more likely to talk to religious people online, because I've had the experience that even asking sincere questions about their religion in real life will make some people angry...not all or even the majority, but enough to scare me away from doing it.

Biblehelp: Er, is this a joke answer? I'm certainly not one of Satan's "cronies" - never even met the guy! :D

Sun, depoetic_sbc: Yes, I agree with you two that it has a lot to do with perception... that's why I was sure to ask "why do you THINK there are more...", because I saw that assertion keep popping up here, and wanted to know why the people saying that thought it was true. If you don't think there are more, it's kind of a moot point. Thank you for your good responses!

Anthony Stark: Ah, you also said it's perception, cool, and I had the same experience - I just accidentally stumbled upon this category and enjoy how lively and full of debate it is.

Balaam's: I think offense and being offended is part of it...I've noted how many answers refer to being worried about that, from both religious and not.

Tom: Hmm, I agree it does seem like Christians are more likely to be social in real life, for whatever reason. Do they have more opportunity, are social people more likely to be Christian, is it just our perception...? I guess that's a separate question! I don't know about the rest of your answer... I'm an atheist and I spend a lot of time trying to do good in the world, but I am also addicted to the internet. I don't know how likely atheists, Christians, or those of other religions are to do those things though. *shrug*

Other answers...there are some I partially agree, partially disagree with, and some I just don't have a response to. But I'm enjoying all of your opinions!

Answer 1

I don't think there are 'more' of one group or another. I do feel that maybe some groups are less likely to speak up on an issue if (for example) God isnt giving them an 'answer' for a particular question. Also, i know that many Christians (for example) do not know what to say or they get very offended easily and instead of saying something they will regret, they just don't say anything at all.

I know more high school AND college students around here who are Christians than those who are not, so I am not sure that theory really holds water... plus having God in their lives really doesnt make them have less time to be online... I know a lot who have ministries online that require a LOT of time

Answer 2

(Mark 9:38-42) 38 John said to him: “Teacher, we saw a certain man expelling demons by the use of your name and we tried to prevent him, because he was not accompanying us.” 39 But Jesus said: “Do not try to prevent him, for there is no one that will do a powerful work on the basis of my name that will quickly be able to revile me; 40 for he that is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives YOU a cup of water to drink on the ground that YOU belong to Christ, I truly tell YOU, he will by no means lose his reward. 42 But whoever stumbles one of these little ones that believe, it would be finer for him if a millstone such as is turned by an *** were put around his neck and he were actually pitched into the sea. Jesus was talking about the group He had established when on earth. When the apostles died an apostasy came in and this is why you see so many religions today. Jesus gave us a good ear mark to tell the true religion. (John 13:33-35) . . .. 34 I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. 35 By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.” Notice this is a love that would be with all his disciples, which would be earth wide. This is not only within a country or family but all people of the earth. Find a religion that is doing that and you have found the true one.

Answer 3

Personally, I've found that on some days there are more atheists, and on others, religious folk are the majority.

Actually, many atheists end up becoming regulars on R&S almost by accident. I started on Y!A as a regular in the Astronomy and Space category, and found R&S when things were quiet there. The controversy and humor compelled me to come back. Eventually, I started chatting with other regulars, and started spending more time here.

I can't remember the last time I went to A&S.

Answer 4

Dumb Answer: Hmm.. Because Atheists blurt out stuff without thinking and so they type answers to more questions and they ask more questions.. (there are some VERY notable exceptions)...

Better Answer: Many Christians are out doing good works instead of sitting in front of a computer and those of us using the computer are either Hermits (me) or have some kind of handicap that prevents us from always being out helping (me) or are just addicted to the computer (me) and are too weak to break the addiction right now...

I know LOTS of Christians that do not even own a computer and others that only use the computer to do work.. no time for socializing online...

EDIT: for Gaia: I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS, or Mormon to many).. and I do own a computer along with many of my faith...

EDIT: for Anthony: I started in the Mathematics section or Homework helper and ended up here for the same reason.

Answer 5

I can't speak for every non-religious person here, but one of the reasons why I'm here is because I CAN'T talk about this anywhere else. Lack of belief in God is just not accepted in the United States. If you try and talk about it with people (not even arguing or debating, but just saying that you doubt the existence of a supernatural being), the response is almost always negative. They get frustrated, or confused, or sometimes even angry. I've had experiences where even just SUGGESTING that the Bible might be untrue -- not even admitting that you don't believe in it, but just SUGGESTING that it might be untrue -- ended up making people mad. I talk about this online because it's the only place where I'm comfortable doing it.

Answer 6

there are trolls in many sections. maybe they want to try and show religious people the way they see things (meaning atheists). i will not lie, i have answered a question or two on here (i'm atheist) but that was only when the ? was directed towards atheists. being a vegan, i know how aggravating trolls can be ( from the v&v section) so i try not to be one. cheers :)

Answer 7

Good question, since they don't have a religion.

I have wondered that thing myself for a long time and this is what I have come up with.

Please don't view me as defending them but it is my belief that it is because there are so many lies being thrown around about them. They have recieved much persecution.

I being a LDS have recieved my share of persecution, know that it isn't that great to be misunderstood. In whole they just want to be accepted. Just like everyone else in the world.

PS. Soulful Chris............. God does exists, if you really need some one to proove that to you I in turn ask you to proove to me that he doesn't exist. I take it that you have prayed for something very big and when it didn't happen, gave up on God. That is NOT how it works. You don't command him he commands us, and if we need streangth we ask for it and other things that are righteous not vain and worldly .

How can you live and not believe there is a God who created you? How can you breathe and not Believe there is a God who made the air? How can you live in a free country and not believe that God had something to do with it's creation? How can you enjoy the blessings of a home, a family, a car, and a job, without believing in a God who has blessed you with it? Is it because you would rather yourself be glorified?

Answer 8

The section is called Religion and Spirituality, NOT Religious and Spiritual. One doesn't have to fit certain beliefs in order to discuss the topic.

In general, I have found that atheists tend to have more knowledge about religions than the followers do, particularly in the case of Christianity.

Answer 9

Actually, hon - this morning it was fairly full of dear sweet folks with one or two lone Athiests asking why Y!A R&S was so predominantly Christian!

I guess it depends on your time of day...

Peace.

Answer 10

I don't think that's the case, the atheists just tend to be more vocal....they aren't worried about offending some magical invisible being.

I'm giving you a serious answer.