Atheism in Europe

I heard a news story on the radio this week about a survey in Great Britain that found 51% believed in god. That would mean that 49% did NOT or doubted. I have tried to find an article about this and haven't been able to but I did find this which cites many studies: http://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/zuckerman/atheism.html I didn't realize how much higher the rates of atheism are in Europe, especially considering that European countries all have a history of state religion! It's really incredible! Any thoughts on what has contributed to this?

Very Interesting stats. Lets move to Sweden!!!!! Ahhhhh, what would it be like to live in a society where I am not a freak or outcast because of my non-theism? One can only dream. Terri

Hey I like meatballs, I'm ready to go! I really had no idea about this statistic. I'm quite amazed. I would really like to find out what it is in European culture that has led to this. I think that Europeans have a stronger sense of independent thinking in general than we do. History and geography have contributed to that. Imagine living just a few miles from a completely different society, yet being able to retain your cultural identity. Europeans have made the critical connection that what one person thinks and how they live does not have to affect the choices you make for your life. They seem to have applied that to religion and when given a free choice to not follow the pack, Europeans choose in great numbers to be free of religion! I think Americans are under more pressure to conform than we realize.

Not sure if you will be able to read this response Dona but here goes! There is a difference!! I guess I can't speak for all of Europe but I can see the difference between Tampa, Florida and Lucerne, Switzerland. Even though religion is integrated with government here it is not the same as religion in the US. Here religion means giving, caring, helping. It does not mean proselytizing .Recently the local Catholic league sponsored an AIDS awareness program at my nieces middle school. Most churches here have extensive charity programs, and I don't mean missions. I mean counseling Bosnian war victims, or visiting jailed immigrants. I mean human to human giving. Not human to human if you except my god into your heart and don't drink on Sundays and so on. Our city is so liberal religiously that they made a installed a prayer beacon for Muslims on top of the city watchtower which is over 800 years old!! I have never felt more comfortable having my seemingly screwy thoughts on religion since living here. Simply put: religion is a welfare program operating with no expectations. In the states religion is a clique. People believe that their pastor deserves to drive a Cadillac while they take the bus. Religion is banned from schools and government but the same rule is often ignored because the "people" want it. I fear the day when non fundamental Christians are the only "people" being listened too any more. So is Europe better then the US? For a 333 lb broke and opinionated American who doesn't really know yet what the heck she believes it is. Back to your question...I think Europe has learned their lesson somewhat. They have a very long and lurid history of religious oppression. I know people who can trace their ancestors back to the crusades! Maybe one day in the future someone will be tracing back their ancestry to the modern day American crusades. Thanks for listening and Thanks OH I really do appreciate it even if I am *****ing. Debbie in Lucerne