Blind Faith: Americans believe in religion — but know little about it May 27, 2007
Posted by The Armchair Economist in Christianity, Commentary, Culture, Politics, Religion, Society.trackback
I’ve always wondered about the religious nature of Americans. While I have several close friends who are devout and intelligent Christians, being in the NY metro area and living a fairly secular life, it is hard for me to understand that there are so many Christians in this country (especially enough to give Bush the win in 2000). Its also ironic to think that if there are so many who profess to be Christians (and I assume to subscribe to the teachings of Christ against idolatry) that people like Paris Hilton can attain the status of social idols.
This article (actually a book review) begins with some startling facts, ie: that fewer than half of us can identify Genesis as the first book of the Bible (he does go on to point out that fewer than 1/3 of Americans can name one of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, so perhaps our ignorance isn’t limited strictly to religion). The author makes several other points along the same vein, but the main point is merely a call to improve the religious awareness of our country.
Assuming Americans are really this unaware, doesn’t it make you wonder about the democratic process when Americans use (their questionable knowledge of) religious values to decide certain policies that will govern our lives?
Armchair Economics 
This is some interesting stuff. I think so many people in this country claim to be Christian only because it is “how they were raised” and they identify with the community and societal connections going to church on occasions brings. People desire to be a part of a larger whole, and organized religion brings that. However, I’ve always wondered how many people truly believe or are even aware of the details of their religious “beliefs.” People tend to be “democrat” or “republican” based on similar grounds and know just as little about that and what it really means. Truly troubling.
A. Most people do not like to think.
If they can identify themselves as Republican or Democrat they can have an opinion ready made for them. That way they can deal full time with such issues as Joey Buttafuco and Lacey Peterson and Paris Hilton.
B. Even GW Bush, who claims Jesus Christ is his favorate philosopher, does not know what is in the Bible because he generally does just the opposite of what Jesus taught.
I completely agree with both of your comments. Many people (ie: second generation Christians) are only so because it was inherited, thus for the most part, do not really understand the meaning of their religion. The ready made opinions help as well, as sad as that sounds. Don’t even get me started on GW.
I guess it’s just human nature to want to believe in something whether it’s slug trails or signs in the sky. By now I’v truly come to believe that most religons started out with AstroTheology and Hallucinogenic Mushrooms ( aka the ForbiddenFruit, Magic/Sacred Shrooms, Flesh of God, etc.) . Bibles and Scripture and Prophesies contain a lot of stories of Visions and Heavenly Realms and Spirits
and Dreams etc. So, now we have a world full of millions of people trying to kill or convert each other over Trippy Tales and Visions and Revelations from folks who were doing Shrooms and Hoama and Soma and Tantra and Fasting and Speaking in Tongues and so on and so forth. Once this is realized ( on a concious level ) we’ll begin to understand that we shouldn’t take it all so literally and specifically, …..I mean seriously ! Wake up People, … Think for yourselves …. new thoughts , not the those of some ancient tripped out saviours and messiahs and anointed ones. ( just for kicks, study what was IN the annointing oils…..you might be surprised ! ) What do YOU believe ? (from the word belove)
I’ll add it to my list ( if I don’t already have it ) . Thanks ! TL
If you can believe a “loving God” is justified in creating a devil and hell and and it is ok with you. Then what would you not believe. Religion in all in the mind. That is why is based on belief. Like politics, religion is about power and money. If jesus could feed thousand with a few fish. Why are religions always begging for money to feed the poor. Please help.
Maybe the schools should try teaching the true history of Joan of Arc
The players would begin as members of the SCA, going to Phoenix for the Estrella War.
For adults, a virtual makeover of hair and makeup may
be the equivalent of a little one hood game, with an improved style sensibility
that tends to make the knowledge each entertaining and inspirational.
At each house you have the hostess serve something small to eat, and host a small game.
‘ Satanic Ritual – Decorate the space with human sacrifice, goblets of blood, pentagrams, and things draped in black. You make different challenges like scavenger hunts, food challenges, mazes and races. Every Halloween party that people remember later in the year by saying things like “Do you remember so-and-so’s Halloween party last year.
Fine content, I enjoy your style. The composition of this text is effectively established.
It reminds me some type of overview Joni or research paper.
Maybe you have seriously considered working as a skilled copy writer?