too much religious influence around here...(Moved From TN forum)

[jabogitlu]

Of course they are. Those who frequently go to church (2-3 times per week) are less likely to think for themselves. True independence brings about less happiness, because for all its beauty, this is still a bitter, lonely world. Also, with the loss of church comes a loss of community that can be difficult to replace - ie, less happiness.

However, productive is another matter.

[somewheresouth]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Of course they are. Those who frequently go to church (2-3 times per week) are less likely to think for themselves. True independence brings about less happiness, because for all its beauty, this is still a bitter, lonely world. Also, with the loss of church comes a loss of community that can be difficult to replace - ie, less happiness.

However, productive is another matter.

That is pretty silly. One says prove that the study was done. Once the evidence is presented another comes and says well it may say that, but those people don't think for themselves. If Church goers did think for themselves then they would realize how dumb it is to go through life happier???

So if I were truly enlightened then I would be smart enough to think for myself and therefore be miserable??? I do think for myself, as does anyone who makes conscious decisions. I am much happier to believe in God, go to church and worship, and live a happier life here for having done it.

Are you seriously denying a direct link between happiness and productivity? I didn't think it was even in question that happier people (no matter why they are happy) are more productive.

[pucabear]

This thread is very interesting. Ironically, I moved here because of the Christian influences. If you want a place where people leave you alone, get upset when you bring up Jesus,etc...try Vermont.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

I have to disagree with you on the oppress other religion thing. There are MANY religions accounted for all over the bible belt and I have yet to see in the news "A hate crime due to religion broke out today". So I would say everyone lives in the same general area harmoniously.

Sorry, but I have to give you a HA on that one! Hate crimes are still happening too often, and not just in the Bible-Belt... something like 80-90% of all religion-based hate crimes are against non-Christians, so it's still a MAJOR issue. Just because you don't hear it on the news, doesn't mean it isn't happening. Even here in California, we've had Synagogues and Mosques burned to the ground - they hit 5 Temples in Sacramento in one year, just about 5 years ago. And after September 11th, the crimes against Muslims grew immensely, and are still higher than pre-9/11. Sad but true.

Some statistics, to back up my statements... from the FBI: Hate Crime 2004 Section 1 (http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/hc2004/section1.htm - broken link)

"In 2004, law enforcement agencies reported that there were 1,586 victims of crimes motivated by a religious bias (single-bias incidents only). Most (67.8 percent) were victimized because of an anti-Jewish bias. An anti-Islamic bias motivated offenses against 12.7 percent of victims, and an anti-Catholic bias provoked crimes against 4.3 percent. Victims of an anti-Protestant bias made up 3.0 percent of victims of hate crimes resulting from a religious bias; other religions, 9.3 percent; and multiple religions, group, 2.5 percent. The remaining 0.4 percent of hate crime victims were targeted because of the offender’s anti-Atheism or anti-Agnosticism bias."

Appears that my people (Jews) are still the most hated, and non-Christians account for over 80% of the victims. And this is only counting single-bias violent incidents, which doesn't include the Temples/Mosques that were vandalized, or verbal attacks against non-Christians.