Study indicates larger g a p between Americans and religions

[L Gilbert]

Religious affiliation in the United States is at its lowest point since it began to be tracked in the 1930s, according to analysis of newly released survey data by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Duke University. Last year, one in five Americans claimed they had no religious preference, more than double the number reported in 1990.

Read more at: Americans and religion increasingly parting ways

Not surprising. There's probably a few factors leading to the reason; people tired of hearing about religious leaders' misdeeds, more analytical thinking, and the like, for instance.

 

[Spade]

There is still a mission gap between Canada and the States.

 

[Nick Danger]

I don't think that this is necessarily reflective of a drop in spiritual beliefs, but more a statement that organized religions are reluctant to give their membership to find their own path. "This is what the book says, so that's the way we have to do it" and no room for individual interpretation of what in many cases are centuries old writings, long since separated from their author's original intent. If people begin to think that spiritual beliefs flow from within, then the church literature has to be flexible enough to allow for "customizing" by its members as each finds his/her own path.

 

[Cliffy]

I don't think that this is necessarily reflective of a drop in spiritual beliefs, but more a statement that organized religions are reluctant to give their membership to find their own path. "This is what the book says, so that's the way we have to do it" and no room for individual interpretation of what in many cases are centuries old writings, long since separated from their author's original intent. If people begin to think that spiritual beliefs flow from within, then the church literature has to be flexible enough to allow for "customizing" by its members as each finds his/her own path.

I believe you hit that nail. I don't see religion and spirituality as being compatable, although there are some that do.



To me, the spiritual journey is a solo one. Granted, it is more difficult without the support group that religion provides, but I have found that when you set off on your journey, like minded people show up in your life. In my little community, just about everybody I associate with is on their solo journey but just knowing and talking with them is support enough for me.

 

[WLDB]

I wont be sad to see religion go.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

You probably should be. Near as I can tell, religion hasn't gone anywhere. They just call it politics now.

Nowadays we do politics the same way we do religion. Absolute faith in The Creed. Conviction that The Other is not only wrong, but evil. Rigidity. No compromise. Belief that Our Guy will make everything all right, and Their Guy will destroy everything and bring on eternal misery. Vague promises and undefined terms. And a clergy class that doesn't believe in anything, but continues to spew the party line whilst living the high life on the backs of the suckers.

 

[WLDB]

You probably should be. Near as I can tell, religion hasn't gone anywhere. They just call it politics now.

Nowadays we do politics the same way we do religion. Absolute faith in The Creed. Conviction that The Other is not only wrong, but evil. Rigidity. No compromise. Belief that Our Guy will make everything all right, and Their Guy will destroy everything and bring on eternal misery. Vague promises and undefined terms. And a clergy class that doesn't believe in anything, but continues to spew the party line whilst living the high life on the backs of the suckers.

I wish I could argue against that. Unfortunately it rings true. Its annoying. Different parties and politicians have always had different views but up until relatively recently they were willing to compromise and work together. Now everyone wants all or nothing, and if its nothing that side will do its best to make sure the other side doesnt get everything it wants.

Still, at least none of them are trying to convince me that my soul needs to be saved for the theft of an apple instigated by a talking snake.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

I wish I could argue against that. Unfortunately it rings true. Its annoying. Different parties and politicians have always had different views but up until relatively recently they were willing to compromise and work together. Now everyone wants all or nothing, and if its nothing that side will do its best to make sure the other side doesnt get everything it wants.

Still, at least none of them are trying to convince me that my soul needs to be saved for the theft of an apple instigated by a talking snake.

No, instead they tell you that EEEEE-VIL people want to come and take away your "freedom," that this or that economic theory will make everything all right, and that you owe emotional devotion to this or that.

And by the way, each party's version of history (whatever country you live in) is about as closely related to reality as Genesis.

 

[taxslave]

You probably should be. Near as I can tell, religion hasn't gone anywhere. They just call it politics now.

Nowadays we do politics the same way we do religion. Absolute faith in The Creed. Conviction that The Other is not only wrong, but evil. Rigidity. No compromise. Belief that Our Guy will make everything all right, and Their Guy will destroy everything and bring on eternal misery. Vague promises and undefined terms. And a clergy class that doesn't believe in anything, but continues to spew the party line whilst living the high life on the backs of the suckers.

That may be your belief system but most of us are capable of independent thought. I'll go with whoever I think is right regardless of their political stripe. i have even been known to agree with the dippers from time to time.Granted it has only been on social issues never monitary.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

That may be your belief system but most of us are capable of independent thought. I'll go with whoever I think is right regardless of their political stripe. i have even been known to agree with the dippers from time to time.Granted it has only been on social issues never monitary.

Good. You may be part of the rational minority.

And I don't have a "belief system." I have observations. I love watching folks. Ever since they raised the ticket prices down to the zoo, it's the best show in town. Way funnier'n watching the chimps fling poo at each other.

 

[damngrumpy]

I thought for a moment that Americans might be waking up but that would be too much
to ask. Religion is about dogma and they have transformed it into their own belief
system whether it is part of reality or not. Spirituality is likely gaining ground on the old
time religion. That old time back to god stuff is where people can hide their prejudices
after all god was against those guys too , right?