It depends what that faith is based on. If it's solid, it'll last. A religion based on the earth being flat died with the first unarguable proof to the contrary. Many religions had no foundation outside the physical, 3-dimensional world.
If God wrote the universe into being, it's counterintuitive to believe that science contradicts God. All proven science is just hardware manuals explaining the worlds on the great stage.
My belief in a higher power was never dictated by anyone. So when science "seemed" to contradict faith, I opened up and let both in. It was uncomfortable at first until I realized just how huge God must be. I pity those whose God is so puny they must protect him from bad people by blowing up buildings.
If such people lose their faith, is it a bad thing?
Of course not.
It's a prelude to a spectacular thing. When these who lost a weak faith decide to look higher and find a new and greater power, that will be glorious.
...
2007-08-20 10:26:04
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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It's hard to tell how significant the movement may be because statistical data combines Atheists with Agnostics, the Non-religious, and Secular groups. The latter two continue to be Theists, or claim no religious preferences, and account for the larger numbers between all of them.
Recent estimates on Atheism alone have been pegged between 200 million to 240 million worldwide.
But these come primarily from China and former Soviet Union nations. Prior to Communist takeovers and the government attempts to eradicate religions, these nations had very high levels of attachments to organized religions [Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism] as well as traditional beliefs in animism, shamanism, spiritism, etc. China probably has the largest number of actual atheists of any country in the world, followed closely by Russians.
In the Western world, Europe reports 40 million atheists. And in the U.S. 13.2% of the population describe themselves as non-religious, 0.5% describe themselves as agnostic, and a smaller number describe themselves as atheist. (Source: Kosmin, ARIS/American Religious Identification Survey, City University of New York, 2001).
* * * * * * *
Freedom of choice is an intrinsic and fundamental HUMAN RIGHT that must be respected by all civilized men and societies. And the choice of creed or RELIGION [i.e., religious or non-religious beliefs] is one such PERSONAL CHOICE that should be made without duress or coercion whatsoever.
Let us all respect that and celebrate that basic Right.
Peace be with you.
2007-08-18 21:54:01
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answer #2
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answered by Arf Bee 6
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specific, the style of atheists has a tendency to boost as we benefit wisdom, with the aid of fact it gets rid of the choose for for Gods. Gods have been myths created to describe the beginning of the Universe, the beginning of existence, and additionally to make people worry their leaders. This made experience until eventually 0.5 a century in the past, yet as technological know-how evolves and the worldwide enters democratic (or comparable) regimens, that's going to become out of date. in spite of the undeniable fact that, the religions are commencing to appreciate this, and that they are following strategies to maintain their followers. As a interest, u.s. seems to be afraid to step out of the shadows of religion into the enlightenment. even however they have a great academic device, people do not believe or perhaps despise what they're taught. i assume that's extra convenient that way, with the aid of fact the assumption of God could nicely be somewhat comforting (however, strictly speaking, just about each catholic, case in point, fails to maintain on with the bible in a fashion or yet another -- with the aid of fact that's this sort of strict handbook e book -- they could desire to offer up independant tought). this offers me desire for humanity, with the aid of fact that this planet is transforming into oversaturated, so we could desire to locate rapid recommendations to our destiny, and that could purely be finished with medical advances. The extra people turn to technological know-how, the speedier we will locate suggested recommendations, and this makes me believe mankind could stay to tell the story for the subsequent one hundred years. in spite of the undeniable fact that, faith nevertheless holds decrease back medical progression.
2016-10-16 02:49:20
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I sincerely doubt the percentage of Atheists is growing world wide.
Atheists just don't breed as fast as believers.
They might think they are increasing because they are becoming a larger percentage of a shrinking population.
As a Darwinist, I am fairly indifferent to changing percentages. A belief is like a gene. It's accuracy is not relevant. It's affect on procreation is. The fittest survive.
As long as no one tells me what I 'have' to believe I'm happy.
JFTR. Socialists like to do that just as much as believers.
2007-08-18 21:17:03
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answer #4
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answered by Phoenix Quill 7
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As far as i can tell, the number of atheists is actually decreasing, they are just getting more vocal. However, it is probably difficult to get a clear picture of these numbers.
2007-08-22 06:36:17
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answer #5
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answered by neil 4
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I think there is a great increase in Atheism. Is it good?
Yes to the extent it encourages freedom of speech and taking responsibility - no mean achievement.
No to the extent that it may encourage the idea that life is meaningless and whatever you do doesn't matter.
Also no if it encourages consumerism with all its attachment and immaturity.
2007-08-20 13:00:34
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answer #6
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answered by Aryacitta 2
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Richard Dawkins (an atheist) was asked if he was 100% sure whether God existed, he said "well, I'm 95% sure".
I know many atheists who can't say that they believe 100% that God doesn't exist.
As a Christian I'm 100% sure that Jesus exists. He is the way, the Truth and the life. Not just because I've been told about Him or read about Him, but because I sense Him 100% in my life.
2007-08-18 21:02:48
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answer #7
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answered by tah75 2
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I don't think they are. More and more people are turning to God every day. People are beginning to realize that there's more to life than what's material, and acquiring material things, earthly power, fame, money, etc. People are looking for a deeper meaning to life. If anything, the numbers of believers in God is increasing dramatically.
2007-08-18 20:48:46
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answer #8
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answered by the phantom 6
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There is a new breed of people known as Liberals.They have not said 'no' but did not say 'yes' either.Is it a good thing ?what do you think?Think what would happen to orphanages ,hospitals and charitable institutions.Have you forgotten the Soviet Union ?It was a failure:the world's biggest disaster,Chernobyl took place there.
2007-08-18 23:12:28
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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Yes, there are
i dont see it as a bad thing every person has the righ to believe what they want and behind wether they are or arent there is a reason for it.
2007-08-18 20:46:29
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answer #10
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answered by Soccer is my life 1
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