Does it bother atheists that they will eventually lose?

[daedalus 2.0]

Does it bother the atheists on this board that there are some statistics that speak in favor of theism and against atheism.

Namely, theists are generally dumber, there are more of them and the religiosity of the parent strongly influences the religiosity of the child. Plus, the more intelligent you are, the more educated you will likely become and the more likely you will have less children - instead of popping out 12 even though you can't feed them.

That is, atheists are, generally, the more intelligent, educated, wealthy and specialized group in society, especially a democratic society where people can use their intelligence to increase their standard of living.

We know, for example, that the poor Muslim nations are breeding far beyond that of the Xian nations and they are indoctrinating their children with strong religious values. It's one of the reasons Islam is growing faster than Xianity.

I just wonder if atheists are bothered that they will be overrun by the rabbit-like breeding of theists which creates new consumers of some specific religion, and brings new kids to these forums to ask the same old questions as if they were fantastically new?

[Zzyzx]

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Most religions are, in my opinion, designed to appeal to the downtrodden, discouraged and uncritical. With emphasis upon "believe on faith alone to earn a better place in an afterlife", dogma, doctrine and worship practices are not designed to appeal to confident, successful and/or analytical people. The latter group is likely to be more broadly educated and experienced than the former.

Also the downtrodden, discouraged and uncritical may be (usually is) more reproductive. HOWEVER, that is not the end of the story. Many individuals make a transition from downtrodden to successful – often across a generation or two (apparently from what can be learned from the past century or so). There is no guarantee this will continue, particularly with changing economy and social changes.

However, I have observed many people from "downtrodden" backgrounds make a transition to a more successful lifestyle via schooling for highly regarded careers – the famous "upward mobility" in a relatively open society. Along with accelerated learning and broadening experience, I observed people becoming more liberal (less provincial) in their views, including their religious views. They may still be "religious" but, in my observation, many or most become far less fanatical or fundamentalist.

A notable positive development has occurred in Spain during the past half century. It transitioned from being a highly religious nation that embraced theocracy to being a nation in which citizens have freedom of religion and only a low percentage identify themselves as being deeply religious. If Spain make that transition there is potential for other nations to do likewise. http://atheism.about.com/library/world/ ... ligion.htm

[McCulloch]

No, I am a naïve optimist. I believe that humanity as a whole is getting smarter, the children of the superstitious will have some benefit from public education. And if not them, their grandchildren.
D'Sousa claims that Christianity is growing everywhere in the world except the central core of the Islamic world and in the Western industrialized nations.

[UZworm]

Just because you state the theists are dumb does not mean their children will also be dumb, fortunately. Many people I know who were raised by large Christian families are atheist, I can assume that it will be a continuing event as humanity as a whole gets more intelligent and begins to ditch superstitious beliefs like religion.

[daedalus 2.0]

I agree there seems to be progress. There are some countries that are much more progressive and less superstitious. However, even they are having their problems.

The Netherlands for example, a bastion of free thought, now has 10% of its population of muslim immigrants. Sweden and other advanced countries are also struggling now to keep back the wave of immigration.

The US will have similar problems/issues.

The population of Muslims is growing fastest, then Xian - atheists, are holding relatively steady with slight growth that may be more statistical difference.

But, true, fundamentalist parents may give birth to an atheist, but it may work the other way. Atheist parents may give birth to religionists.

It's not just religious thinking either: its superstition, pseudoscience, homeopathy, etc.

It's been 10,000's of years in human history and the biggest step for secularism was the French and American Wars of Independence - specifically their Constitutions.

However, as we have seen, the 80% of Xian America still has the power to vote into power the Xian Right and keep out atheists. And the larger problem is that most scientists are atheists and so by voting Xians into office they will tend to hire Xian scientists - who, generally, are not the cream of the crop.

Still, I like the optimism. And I don't mean to insult people, but I am just quoting statistics. It's not me saying it, its the statistics.

[Cephus]

It really doesn't bother me because the "dumb breeders" also tend to be poorer and less powerful. As a whole, the human species is starting to reject fundamentalism and we're starting to see the yoke of religion being thrown off. Secularism is being embraced at an unprecedented rate, something that never would have been seen just a few decades ago.

So let the stupid breed like rabbits, their children are rejecting their fundamentalist attitudes. I prefer to think.

[achilles12604]

It really doesn't bother me because the "dumb breeders" also tend to be poorer and less powerful. As a whole, the human species is starting to reject fundamentalism and we're starting to see the yoke of religion being thrown off. Secularism is being embraced at an unprecedented rate, something that never would have been seen just a few decades ago.

So let the stupid breed like rabbits, their children are rejecting their fundamentalist attitudes. I prefer to think.

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Now as for the OP, I have conflicting thoughts on the matter. On one hand, working with criminals all the time, I see how they influence their children, and how many children they all seem to have. Frankly I am appalled. Crime will over run the USA, mark my words. Our society is no pitiful when it comes to punishment that criminals do not fear anyone or anything any more and basically run rampant. And they teach their kids to do the same.

On the other hand, if you look at the political world, it appears that the youth of the USA are striving to over throw their parent and the last 50 years of very sub par voting that they have burdened us with. So perhaps the youth of the stupid will better themselves and realize the errors of their parents.

We shall see.

[Zzyzx]

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On one hand, working with criminals all the time,

If you don't mind my asking, in what capacity do you work with criminals?

I see how they influence their children, and how many children they all seem to have. Frankly I am appalled. Crime will over run the USA, mark my words.

"In a democracy the people get the government they deserve".

[achilles12604]

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On one hand, working with criminals all the time,

If you don't mind my asking, in what capacity do you work with criminals?

It isn't obvious?

I am in law enforcement. Deputy Sheriff.

I see how they influence their children, and how many children they all seem to have. Frankly I am appalled. Crime will over run the USA, mark my words.

"In a democracy the people get the government they deserve".

I recognize this, and I have even said something close to it. But I am wary of the implications of this statement because frankly, the American people are certainly setting themselves up for failure. And Those of us who see the problem, are along for the ride. The masses have spoken. Only in the USA can the minority (numbers not ethnicity), out shout the majority.

Go ACLU go!

[daedalus 2.0]

Only in the USA can the minority (numbers not ethnicity), out shout the majority.

Go ACLU go!

Yes! That is the beauty of America. ACLU and all. Jesus was a minority, the Freedom Fighters (our Founding Fathers) were a minority.

Now we can make change peacfully and according to principles that would be trampled upon by the majority. The majority are fools. Mediocre dunderheads who would drink beer and watch TV if no one ever challenged their existence.

Liberals are the best thing for society because they don't want to conserve the status quo and watch life just pass buy in a haze.

I am all for the minority speaking up. When society reflects everyone and not just the elite, we will have a better society. REmember the Dark Ages? The elite who were the only ones who could read imposed their will on the masses. The majority was oppressed by the minority but that was a different society. Democracy is a new world. The minority, science, reason, logic and beauty has a chance to be expressed. In a true democracy. America's democracy is a sham.