Why is it news that as many as 40% of Britons pray, and not that 60% of Britons don't?

Question

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7089139.stm

Answer 1

Because it's SURPRISING that such a large minority still believe in superstitious nonsense?

Answer 2

Don't know the answer to that one, mate. Of course, surveys are the most easily manipulated thing in the world, and usually show the point the person giving the survey wishes to show.

I'd be curious to know if the inverse was ever considered as a practicable focus for this survey, or was the intention only to show the amount of observance still extant.

Answer 3

funny how things are so different isnt it ?
but as I have said here often ...
it does come as a shock to us if someone says they are religious here
in my immediate circle of friends , I am the only one I know with a belief in the after life

Answer 4

Briton is not as Atheist as the Atheists would have every one believe.

Answer 5

wow! I would say much less than 40%, *edit* oh it goes up as you get older and closer to death...go figure.

I just misread your question, proving that the human mind is unequipt to hear statistics and understand probability properly, choosing to hear what supports their own assumptions, or shocks them.

Answer 6

Perspective. Isn't it weird how the governments are pushing/endorsing christianity and although they themselves are called christian, they live totally unchristian lives? Even the media is controlled in this.

Answer 7

Because the church of england still feeds a lot of fat mouths.

Answer 8

40% huh to whom do they pray.

Maybe their getting religious cause their are too many muslims disturbing them now.