Americans and Religion

[--Pete]

Hi,

I think the difference is between those that are unsure if there is a God, those that are sure there is not a God, and those who would say "I am an atheist."

I think you are missing a major point. Most of the population never even consider this question. In Europe and the Americas, most people are born into some form of Christianity and never question it. They may not attend services, they may be moral or criminals, they may be devote or totally apathetic. But, invariably, when asked they claim to be Cristian.

Society doesn't tell people to go to church (everyday or even once a week). I would say the society I live in tells people to buy lots of things and to worship money, . . .

You are mixing up society in the large (advertising, media, etc.) and society in the small (co-workers, neighbors, etc.). As a professed atheist, I constantly receive invitations to join acquaintances at their services. Since I always reject these invitation, I am consequently excluded from the social life of most of these acquaintances because their social life revolves around their church community.

(Aside) As to the arrogance of atheists, that comes from the fact that they've at least thought about the issue. I've often asked my religious friends what it is that they believe and how that distinguishes their particular brand of Christianity from all others. In over forty years of doing this, I've found two people (other than ordained ministers) who could give me a coherent answer. The usual answer is that they belong to the specific congregation (note, not 'sect') because the people there are nice, friendly, and work and play together. That's not religion, that's a social club. But anyone who claims that religion is important enough to be an issue and worth defending and yet does not examine the issue is a fool. And if recognizing and despising ignorance makes me arrogant, then so be it.

--Pete