Godless America: The New Religious-less Reality

[cleanhippie]

Religion is still very important to many Americans and it will be a very long time before we will live in a world without religion. It might not ever happen. However, we are getting much closer to that world, and before we know it, religious belief will occupy the same place as fortunetellers in our society. We are at the dawn of a new reality in America in which people are starting to be more interested in actual reality than they are in ancient superstitions.

According to a 2012 Gallup-International poll (PDF), the number of "convinced atheists" in the United States has risen from 1 percent in 2005 to 5 percent in 2012. I want to point out here that we are not talking about some vague group of "nones," or even people who shy away from the "A" label. That 5 percent doesn't count those who only identify as agnostic or secular. It doesn't count those who only use the Humanist or rationalist labels, either. We aren't even talking about people who are just a little bit atheist; we are talking about "convinced atheists." That's 5 percent of the American public.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/staks-rosch/godless-america-the-new-r_b_2561272.html

[rug]

1. There are more people who believe in fortunetellers than there are atheists.

[JNelson6563]

2. And I think that is very sad.

I often wonder if we are stuck in the 1600's.

[rug]

4. Maybe but it underscores the unwarranted optimism of the post.

Really, two hundred years after the Enlightenment and fortunetelling is as strong as ever. Even if it were the equivalent of religion, which it clearly is not, this prediction of the eradication of religion is not based in reality.

[JNelson6563]

7. Some optimism, much reality.

I found the opening of the article excerpt to be rooted deeply in reality:

Religion is still very important to many Americans and it will be a very long time before we will live in a world without religion. It might not ever happen.

Frankly, that anyone at all still believes in fortune telling is the most disappointing tidbit in this discussion for me. As to religion, as long as there is fear of death and fear of the unknown, it will be with us.

Julie

[Ligyron]

11. I think the Rom might classify fortune telling as a offshoot of their religion

and no need to worry about the eradication of religion. They're inventing new ones all the time.

[dimbear]

9. I'd like to see that broken out against education level for both.

Ought to be interesting.

[rug]

10. Consult your Tarot.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. I'd rather have a godless America than one that worships guns and fetuses.

[cleanhippie]

5. You say that as if being "godless" is a negative trait.

Am I reading you correctly?

[sinkingfeeling]

6. No, I find religion to be way beyond logic and reason.

[Leontius]

8. So do I , strange world indeed.