Atheists Outdo Believers in Survey on Religion
By romania2
@romania2 (237)
Philippines
September 28, 2010 8:07am CST
As reported in the New York Times, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life interviewed about 3,400 Americans about religion. The group found that, on average, the interviewees answered half the questions incorrectly. Many interviewees were wrong even on questions about their own faith. Those who scored the highest were atheists and agnostics, and Jews and Mormons. (While the researchers controlled for factors like age and racial differences, they still weren't able to get enough Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu respondents.)
The most interesting part of the New York Times Article is a quote by Dave Silverman, president of American Atheists: "I have heard many times that atheists know more about religion and religious people. Atheism is an effect of that knowledge, not a lack of knowledge. I gave a Bible to my daughter. That's how you make atheists."
What is your opinion on this? Do you think atheists really do know more about religion than believers?
2 people like this
2 responses
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
28 Sep 10
Hi romania, This really doesn't surprise me as many Christians never read the Bible, they leave it for their pastor, minister or priest to interpret it for them. I once heard a Christian say that Jesus said; "do as I say, not as I do". I'm quite sure that man didn't read the Bible and I can't figure out who would have told him that either. Anyone who has an interest in Christianity should read the Bible with an open mind, and let the chips fall where they may. Blessings.
@romania2 (237)
• Philippines
29 Sep 10
The survey results actually also didn't surprise me. I lived my whole life surrounded by believers, and it surprises them that I know more, despite being a non-believer. I think letting the chips fall where they may is a good thing. People have to decide for themselves what they want to believe.
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
28 Sep 10
It's sad to see that atheists would outdo belivers on a religion survey. where is the faith and belief when this happens? With all of the religions in this world, you would not think that atheists would have so much power.@romania2 (237)
• Philippines
29 Sep 10
Well, the merits of the survey can be argued. 3,400 phone interviews can't exactly be that reliable. As for faith and belief, more believers see the sense of community their religions have. They value less the scriptures than what they call their own "conviction". However, I still think this survey is important. As for your comment on atheists having so much power: I don't think they do just yet. I will give it maybe 50 more years before tons of people in the world will be comfortable "outing" themselves.
