Why does religion in the ireland and poland so strong ?

Question

Just being curious, but why does religion (in general) in ireland and poland (such as the stable rate of church attendance which is more than 50%, and its strong influence to politics) so strong even though the country is so strong and rich compared to other European countries who are getting richer and richer (like the Scandinavians) but the religious influence, particularly to the people, is very weak (like church attendance is weak and full acceptance of abortion)?

Answer 1

Plain and simple in Ireland the Catholic Church had its finger into everything, they were on committees from local football clubs advising political parties.

from telling the people not to buy TV as its a tool of the devil (afraid that people would realise there was another world outside of Ireland.circa 1969 / 1970).

Not allowing abortions even due to medical reasons.

No to divorce, (against the popes orders.)

Making couples who were about to get married attend pre-wedding courses which had to be paid for by the couple. (While not being mandatory, the young couple would be told by the priest attend or I wont marry you.)

There objection and ban on condom machines in bars and clubs, (pressure from the church kept condoms illegal in the country until the mid-80s.)

The Church rule was broken by the continual dissatisfaction of the younger generations and the fact they could not cover up all the sexual molestation scandels involving young boys and priests.

Finally, Ireland has made it into the 21st Century by recognising the Church is an institution and the Priest is not GOD.

There are lots of similar concepts delivered by priests in all predominantly Catholic Countries, the last great bastions left for them are Africa and South America.

Answer 2

I think Ireland and Poland tend to be countries that are not as wealthy. The richer and more materialistic people become, the less they feel the need for God. They replace God with the love of money, greed and fame.

Ireland and Poland do not have as much "stuff" in the way of their faith. The more things we have the harder it is to follow God. Just as Jesus told the rich young man...sell everything you own and follow me. The young man went away disheartened because he could not do that. That is us...America and the wealthy European countries. We cannot serve two masters.

There are many well educated and intelligent people in Ireland and Poland. The idea that they are ignorant and therefore believe in God is a misnomer.

Answer 3

You asked this about Ireland and the answer is still the same, the poorer and less well educated countries are where the church does best. Ireland is changing, Poland might do so in the future.

Answer 4

Many historically poor countries have high church attendance. It gives them hope, and sometimes hope is all they have.

Answer 5

Some folks know how to appreciate and work with God's grace, and others don't.

Both are Catholic countries, too.