Poll finds more Americans believe in devil than Darwin

[Swede]

More Americans believe in a literal hell and the devil than Darwin's theory of evolution, according to a new Harris poll released on Thursday.

It is the latest survey to highlight America's deep level of religiosity, a cultural trait that sets it apart from much of the developed world.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKN2922875820071129

[Solly Mack]

1. Oh, I wouldn't call it a "deep level of religiosity"

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Agreed. They were indoctrinated on certain facets of the religion, but

to hear conservative preachers tell it we are in no way a religious nation.

[magellan]

20. Deep level of willful ignorance is more like it

They choose to cling to the security of their beliefs rather than face reality.

BushCo rely on this to get away with all they have.

[northernsoul]

22. "Religiosity" is a sociological term

Religiosity, in its broadest sense, is a comprehensive sociological term used to refer to the numerous aspects of religious activity, dedication, and belief (religious doctrine). Another term that would work equally well, though is less often used, is religiousness. In its narrowest sense, religiosity deals more with how religious a person is, and less with how a person is religious (in terms of practicing certain rituals, retelling certain myths, revering certain symbols, or accepting certain doctrines about deities and afterlife). Numerous studies have explored the different components of human religiosity (Hill and Hood 1999; Brink, 1993). What most have found is that there are multiple dimensions (they often employ factor analysis). For instance, Cornwall, Albrecht, Cunningham and Pitcher (1986) identify six dimensions of religiosity based on the understanding that there are at least three components to religious behavior: knowing (cognition), feeling (affect), and doing (behavior). For each of these components of religiosity there were two cross classifications resulting in the six dimensions:

* Cognition
o traditional orthodoxy
o particularistic orthodoxy
* Affect
o spiritual
o church commitment
o physical
* Behavior
o religious behavior
o religious participation

Other researchers have found different dimensions, ranging generally from four to twelve components. What most measures of religiosity find is that there is at least some distinction between religious doctrine, religious practice, and spirituality.

[durrrty libby]

2. Clowns

[flakey_foont]

3. sad

I guess it's much easier to scare people than to get them to think

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. Fear is an excellent sales tool.

Just look to the Republicans if you doubt my words.

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. Exactly!

[RiverStone]

19. scared, ya got it there!

How much GD bullshit has this world suffered in the name of fucking religion.

Fear drives their faith (fear of going to hell) - but is sure does not drive many of their actions of earth.

WTF can't people think for their self!!!???

****fear****

I sure like what the Dalai Lama said about religion: My religion is simple, my religion is kindness.

Me too...


peace~:)

[Red Zelda]

4. Does anything in Dumbfuckistan...

surprise you anymore?
Go shop for jesus.

[HughBeaumont]

6. Is anyone surprised?

Look at the corporate-favoring fundamentalpatients we choose to be our "leaders". I'll bet those who voted for Bewsh out of free will would believe the devil over any talk of electoral fraud as well.

[AndyTiedye]

7. There Really Isn't Any Way to Get Our Country Back from the Whackos, Then, Is There?

:cry:

[Marrah_G]

8. I believe in him too....he lives in the WH.

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. I wonder if their sample was slanted?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. The Devil is easier to understand than Darwin, and far more entertaining.

Not only that but, being a figment of the imagination, the Devil can be whatever you like it to be, dressed in the way you like it to dress, be blamed for almost anything, do anything you like to do, assume any shape you like it to assume, and you don't have to devote any critical thinking to the concept. All you have to do is believe.

Darwin, on the other hand, doesn't require belief, but the ability to comprehend what his theories entail, open your eyes and see the evidence around you.

No contest.

[KansDem]

17. Of course! When was the last time you heard "The Darwinist made me do it!"?

Darwin doesn't provide an easy-out for one's "youthful indiscretions."

[LeftishBrit]

11. Well, after all Darwin has been dead for a good many years...

and the devil is currently acting as Vice President.

[Tesha]

14. And *THAT*, friends, is why you should get used to saying "President Brownback".

Murcans -- "Dumb as a box of rocks but prouder!"

[Sabriel]

25. There's a euphemism in that somewhere.... n/t

[Initech]

15. "Ever notice how the people who believe in creationism look really unevolved?" - Bill Hicks

We want our thumbs!!!!!

[Swamp Rat]

16. LOL!

Bill Hicks - a national treasure. :D

[L. Coyote]

18. That woiuld explain how he got "elected" twice!! LOL

[iamahaingttta]

21. I saw "Inherit the Wind" last night...

...as per someone's suggestion here yesterday. I had never seen it before, though I've seen and read the play.

I think we are getting dumber as a nation, and maybe as a species. I think we may be devolving. And I think it's largely because of religion. Religion and consumerism.

It's too bad, really, because we had such promise, our little species on primates. We could still pull ourselves out of the muck we've jumped into, but I doubt it. I hope so, but I doubt it. Too many humans WANT to be stupid and ignorant and nasty and brutish. Too many humans WANT to be riddled with contradictions and LIKE being killers and thieves and assholes.

Oh well. Maybe the kitty cats will do better once they become sentient...

[edwin]

23. 31% believe in witches

I wonder if the same 31% also believe in wizards? :shrug:

Or elves, pixies and goblins?

:rofl:

[hfojvt]

24. Is there a difference?

:P

[WheelWalker]

26. That's because Darwin is merely a "lesser included" of the "dark prince."