http://www.adherents.com/misc/adh_prison.html the percentage of christians in the general pop is the same as in the prison pop but that is not the case with atheists
2007-10-20 16:46:50 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is true. The reason behind this may seem a bit obvious, but this is why: Atheists are generally smarter and more thought provoking than most Christians. When you've grown up in a society that frowns upon the lack of belief in god, you usually have to do a lot of thinking to come to the conclusion to become an atheist.
Christians, on the other hand, are usually born into their religion, having it forced upon them as little toddlers. When we are kids, it's easy to just accept what we've been taught and follow what others around us are doing, without questioning or criticism.
You can basically conclude that atheists had to do a lot of thinking to get to where they are, and had to examine their beliefs. Usually, people who care enough about questioning what they've been taught as kids wont get into things like crime, because we're deeper than that, not trying to sound conceited or anything. It's just a trend.
2007-10-20 16:48:47 · answer #1 · answered by Uliju 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I think a lot of people view religion as something they are born into, not something they chose. For example, if your parents are Catholic, you might say you are Catholic, even though you don't practice the faith. My guess is that a lot of the people that are incarcerated are either adhering to the religious identity of their family or have converted to a specific faith while in prison.
The first part of the study said that writers have used the information to develop two completely contrasting conclusions. I think those two conclusions would be that 1. there are more Christians in jail than atheists, or 2. one of the the theories that I just posed.
I will admit, however, that I didn't read it in detail.
2007-10-20 16:56:43 · answer #2 · answered by RayeKaye 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Possibly, but if only for the simple reason there are more Christians than atheists, at least in the United States. May be of a different ratio in other countries.
2007-10-20 16:53:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I followed your "link" and this is what it said:
Response to "Christians vs atheists in prison investigation" - Commonly-circulated atheist "article" about atheism and incarceration is actually from a 1925 document of doubtful validity written by Dale Clark.
So an article written in 1925-of doubtful validity (get your dictionary to look up the meaning of doubtful and validity) is what you are basing this on? How many atheists do you think there where back then-even if the story was valid? What a crock of s*h*i*t.
2007-10-20 17:03:05 · answer #4 · answered by PrivacyNowPlease! 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because most people claiming to be Christians don't even care about God or anything, at least atheists probably converted to atheism so they had to think through stuff like ethics and religion.
2007-10-20 16:54:23 · answer #5 · answered by superninfreak777 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you realize how many jailhouse converts to Christianity there are? People have salvation experiences IN PRISON. "Finding Jesus" is the second most popular thing to do in prison. (Not to belittle true converts; I'm just saying...) I would venture to guess that while many who identify with some particular denomination by way of upbringing or tradition may go to prison, it is most likely that they aren't actively practicing their faith BEFOREHAND. It is most likely that they find/return to their faith WHILE in prison.
P.S. Seahock: I'd compare I.Q. scores/SAT results, whatever, with you, any day. Stop making stupid, baseless generalizations and get over yourself.
2007-10-20 16:59:13 · answer #6 · answered by hoff_mom 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I personally wouldn't want to waste my only life in jail. There are few books, crappy food, no privacy, and thugs with the mentality of toddlers.
I also agree with Mark A. It's a lot to do with socioeconomic factors.
2007-10-20 16:53:31 · answer #7 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might be related to socioeconomic causes rather than belief. Atheists are generally more highly educated people, usually in more prestigious jobs. Many Christians come from lower socioeconomic areas and occupations, can be disenfranchised and poorer than atheists. Might explain it anyway...
2007-10-20 16:51:34 · answer #8 · answered by Mark A 3 · 6⤊ 1⤋
I think if you take a closer look at the article you'll see that they're trying to debunk that theory saying it was old and likely biased.
Its like my stats professor always said "figures don't lie but liars can figure."
2007-10-20 16:56:04 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A lot of people claim to be Christians but probably really aren't.
2007-10-20 16:51:59 · answer #10 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋