The rise of atheism in America

[Nozzferrahhtoo]

Originally Posted by mensaguy

Atheism is a belief, or more specifically a non-belief. Since you said it, please explain how a person can choose to believe something. It seems to me either you believe or not.

That would be my position too.

It seems to be just a theist canard that non belief is chosen. They have no evidence for their claims so instead they need to resort to tactics and the tactic in this case is to act like the only reason people do not beleive is because they want to be trendy or rebellious or lead others into evil.

The fact is, and one that theists like him really do not like, that the reason there are people who do not believe.... like myself.... is because those making the claim have not provided a single shred of argument, evidence, data or reasoning to back the claim up.

Simple as that.

I, for one, can not simply choose to believe something if there is literally no reason to believe it.

[rifleman]

But don't foret, Nozz: you're surely destined for.... I hate to even use the word, but here goes...

HELL!.................you know, where your friend SATAN lives....................

And that's furshur, my poor disillusioned friend. The pain, the suffering, the staggering loss of ever seeing your family or loved ones [or even your favorite pet cat...!!!] ever again!

BTW, that's FOR ETERNITY, and not one minute less!

OMG. ....................................O.. M.. G..

You Just Wait! You'll see! And yet... you've been warned!

[Thomas R.]

The following seems to indicate atheism is rising globally. Although they state the gain is gradual and they don't cover many nations.

Belief in God rises with age, even in atheist nations

Exceptions to the "gradual gain" were Israel, Russia, and Slovenia where atheism was declining. To quote

"In Russia, comparing the difference between those who believe in God but hadn’t previously, and those who don’t believe in God but used to, researchers found a 16 percent change in favor of belief."

As I recall in the developed world the US is somewhat unique in having a vibrant Protestantism. Most of the developed nations that are highly religious are Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Muslim. A few of the more advanced Caribbean islands might also be highly-religious, Protestant, and developed but I doubt they studied them.

I don't know if this fits the topic, but I wasn't sure where to put it.