1 in 3 Uk adults have never been to church.

Well I made this topic because I'm intrested to know American opinion on this as we (Europeans) generaly view you as more religiously conservative.

The Tear Fund survey in 2007 found only 10% of UK adults attended church weekly. The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals). It also says 29.3 million Uk adults would be unwilling to attend church again. Women, over 55's and those of black origin are more likely to attend.

Attempt to avoid making this a thread about if god exists and stick to your opinons on this, If the thread deviates I may delete it because OT has enougth Chrisitan Vs Atheists threads.

meh, people are making more money there.

I didn't expect the UK to be a religious place anyway. Let us celebrate with some tea and crumpets! :D

Im not hearing the probly with that statistic, That means 1 in 3 uk adults are extremely resonable people.

Although i do know the statistic for americas probly 1/5 1/6.

I'm actually a bit surprised by this since I always thought that the UK was still a rather religious nation, especially Ireland. But then when I think about it I guess it isn't that surprising either. It's a weird opinion to have, I know :P

The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals).MattDistillery

Stephen Fry said there is no heaven or god... so everybody stopped going to church.

Apparently something like 55% of americans think religion is very important, 28% in Canada, and 18% in the UK. Personally i'm happy that we have already elected an atheist prime minister and that religion has no affect on the voting, where as it will be YEARS before an atheist becomes president.FrostyPhantasm

Well I made this topic because I'm intrested to know American opinion on this as we (Europeans) generaly view you as more religiously conservative.

The Tear Fund survey in 2007 found only 10% of UK adults attended church weekly. The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals). It also says 29.3 million Uk adults would be unwilling to attend church again. Women, over 55's and those of black origin are more likely to attend.

Attempt to avoid making this a thread about if god exists and stick to your opinons on this, I fhte thread deviates I may delete it because OT has enougth Chrisitan Vs Atheists threads.

MattDistillery

My opinion when I hear about a survey like this is…ok. It just doesn't affect me.

I Can't wait for Sunday when I attend Church. :)

Like to say the double post of this topic was because my internet (Which is a low quality university wireless one) is currently on the fritz.

[QUOTE="MattDistillery"]The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals).CodingGenius

No it does not include other religions I've just Skim read the Document.

The Tearfund research asked all UK adults except those belonging to other religions

Page 13

http://www.tearfund.org/webdocs/Website/News/Final%20churchgoing%20report.pdf

[QUOTE="MattDistillery"]The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals).CodingGenius

Note to TC: My red BS flag shoots up when someone makes a topic quoting a study. . .and doesn't provide a link.

[QUOTE="MattDistillery"]

Well I made this topic because I'm intrested to know American opinion on this as we (Europeans) generaly view you as more religiously conservative.

The Tear Fund survey in 2007 found only 10% of UK adults attended church weekly. The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals). It also says 29.3 million Uk adults would be unwilling to attend church again. Women, over 55's and those of black origin are more likely to attend.

Attempt to avoid making this a thread about if god exists and stick to your opinons on this, I fhte thread deviates I may delete it because OT has enougth Chrisitan Vs Atheists threads.

stepnkev

My opinion when I hear about a survey like this is…ok. It just doesn't affect me.

I Can't wait for Sunday when I attend Church. :)

As I said It's not a Christianity Vs Atheiest debate I'd rather know how you think this potrays the way you think this will cause the Uk society as a whole to move. Either deterioration of moral standard orhigher degree of reason etc

I've been to church a couple times, and I never found it particularly uplifting anyhow.

[QUOTE="stepnkev"]

[QUOTE="MattDistillery"]

Well I made this topic because I'm intrested to know American opinion on this as we (Europeans) generaly view you as more religiously conservative.

The Tear Fund survey in 2007 found only 10% of UK adults attended church weekly. The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals). It also says 29.3 million Uk adults would be unwilling to attend church again. Women, over 55's and those of black origin are more likely to attend.

Attempt to avoid making this a thread about if god exists and stick to your opinons on this, I fhte thread deviates I may delete it because OT has enougth Chrisitan Vs Atheists threads.

MattDistillery

My opinion when I hear about a survey like this is…ok. It just doesn't affect me.

I Can't wait for Sunday when I attend Church. :)

As I said It's not a Christianity Vs Atheiest debate I'd rather know how you think this potrays the way you think this will cause the Uk society as a whole to move. Either deterioration of moral standard orhigher degree of reason etc

It's moving toward a more "I'm-spiritual-not-religious" mindset, which to me seems like a lot of people are missing out on a predominately pleasant experience, but it's not really a positive or negative thing in and of itself.

[QUOTE="FrostyPhantasm"]Apparently something like 55% of americans think religion is very important, 28% in Canada, and 18% in the UK. Personally i'm happy that we have already elected an atheist prime minister and that religion has no affect on the voting, where as it will be YEARS before an atheist becomes president.mfp16

[QUOTE="stepnkev"]

[QUOTE="MattDistillery"]

Well I made this topic because I'm intrested to know American opinion on this as we (Europeans) generaly view you as more religiously conservative.

The Tear Fund survey in 2007 found only 10% of UK adults attended church weekly. The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals). It also says 29.3 million Uk adults would be unwilling to attend church again. Women, over 55's and those of black origin are more likely to attend.

Attempt to avoid making this a thread about if god exists and stick to your opinons on this, I fhte thread deviates I may delete it because OT has enougth Chrisitan Vs Atheists threads.

MattDistillery

My opinion when I hear about a survey like this is…ok. It just doesn't affect me.

I Can't wait for Sunday when I attend Church. :)

As I said It's not a Christianity Vs Atheiest debate I'd rather know how you think this potrays the way you think this will cause the Uk society as a whole to move. Either deterioration of moral standard orhigher degree of reason etc

If you don't like my opinion, don't ask for it mate. I gave my opinion. Take it or leave it.

[QUOTE="mfp16"][QUOTE="FrostyPhantasm"]Apparently something like 55% of americans think religion is very important, 28% in Canada, and 18% in the UK. Personally i'm happy that we have already elected an atheist prime minister and that religion has no affect on the voting, where as it will be YEARS before an atheist becomes president.clubsammich91

[QUOTE="mfp16"][QUOTE="FrostyPhantasm"]Apparently something like 55% of americans think religion is very important, 28% in Canada, and 18% in the UK. Personally i'm happy that we have already elected an atheist prime minister and that religion has no affect on the voting, where as it will be YEARS before an atheist becomes president.clubsammich91

Actually, only twelve percent of Americans believe Obama is a Muslim, and 37% of them would vote for him anyway.

That's not too surprising. England changed religions 6 times over the course of 100 years. They were Christian, Church of England, Protestant, back to Church of England etc..

I don't really see the problem but I'm sure others might.

[QUOTE="clubsammich91"]

[QUOTE="mfp16"] I really hope we see an openly atheist president in the US in my life time, I don't really see it happening though.Theokhoth

Actually, only twelve percent of Americans believe Obama is a Muslim, and 37% of them would vote for him anyway.

That's not too surprising. England changed religions 6 times over the course of 100 years. They were Christian, Church of England, Protestant, back to Church of England etc..

Snipes_2

The Church of England is a Reformed Catholic Christian denomination. Christian, Church of England and Protestant are all Christian. . .

That's not too surprising. England changed religions 6 times over the course of 100 years. They were Christian, Church of England, Protestant, back to Church of England etc..

Snipes_2

Those are denominations within a religion, not religions unto themselves.

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

[QUOTE="clubsammich91"] Religion is a big deal if your running for president. Remember when people thought Obama was a Muslim? So not only do our presidents have to be religious, but they have to be a certain type of religious.

clubsammich91

Actually, only twelve percent of Americans believe Obama is a Muslim, and 37% of them would vote for him anyway.

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

[QUOTE="clubsammich91"][QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

Actually, only twelve percent of Americans believe Obama is a Muslim, and 37% of them would vote for him anyway.

Theokhoth

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting.. They could be the swing to push a dozen states..

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

[QUOTE="clubsammich91"] Well there are around 300 million people in the US so 12% of that would be 36 million. That's 36 million too many.sSubZerOo

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting..

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

[QUOTE="clubsammich91"] Well there are around 300 million people in the US so 12% of that would be 36 million. That's 36 million too many.sSubZerOo

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting.. They could be the swing to push a dozen states..

Well it seems to me that they did mobilize for voting, considering that those people almost certainly all voted against Obama, and it didn't seem to do his opponent much good.

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

Theokhoth

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting..

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

You don't get it do you.. If those 36 million are all voters.. They could swing at least a dozen states.. Thats HUGE.. Furthermore that fails.. California has 55 electoral votes.. Thats more electoral votes then some 15 states put together..

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

GabuEx

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting.. They could be the swing to push a dozen states..

Well it seems to me that they did mobilize for voting, considering that those people almost certainly all voted against Obama, and it didn't seem to do his opponent much good.

Well thats due to the fact moderates and others didn't vote for him.. My point being that 36 million people are huge in swaying elections for both congress and presidency alike.. In which they could swing upwards to a dozen states in their favor..

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

Theokhoth

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting..

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

Going to church doesn't make somebody a Christian, just as not going to church doesn't mean those people who are not attending aren't Christian. It's all a matter of the heart, so these studies don't really say a lot to me.

But as I read earlier in this thread, Christian who don't attend church are missing some awesome fellowship, worship, and deep sermons. Assuming it's a legit church.

Do these numbers alarm me? Meh, Christianity has gone through much darker times.

What are we supposed to discuss? Is it morally wrong for people not to go to church?

[QUOTE="Snipes_2"]

Those are denominations within a religion, not religions unto themselves.

GabuEx

[QUOTE="Snipes_2"]

That's not too surprising. England changed religions 6 times over the course of 100 years. They were Christian, Church of England, Protestant, back to Church of England etc..

Theokhoth

The Church of England is a Reformed Catholic Christian denomination. Christian, Church of England and Protestant are all Christian. . .

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

True, in the end it's still a lot, but seeing as our election system is primarily democratic, where the majority vote is considered, 36 million Americans has virtually zero national influence.

And like I said, about 12 million of those people would vote for him anyway.

Theokhoth

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting..

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

You're failing to take into the account that America's average voter turnout for presidential elections is about 50% (and that's the highest turnout for any election in America too). Typically groups with very strong beliefs tied to politics have much higher voter turnout than the national average. So, yes, that 12% of the population could have quite an impact in an election, especially if they're committed enough to run ads, rallies, donation drives, etc.

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting..

sSubZerOo

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

You don't get it do you.. If those 36 million are all voters.. They could swing at least a dozen states.. Thats HUGE.. Furthermore that fails.. California has 55 electoral votes.. Thats more electoral votes then some 15 states put together..

The electoral college ultimately decides the election outcome. :|

I get it quite nicely. I get that you seem to believe that 36 million people can somehow organize their efforts to such a degree that they disperse unanimously into "dozens" of states and voice themselves so loudly that they will force the swing in their respective states. That's absurd, has never happened with such a small minority, and can't happen anyway--unless the President or some other highly influential political figure (no, not a talk show host, but a political leader in Washington) rallied them together and organized their efforts in the appropriate states, which would likely have small voice in the process anyway.

That is not "HUGE," that is not even a remote blip on the political radar. In a country of over 300 million people, 36 million people, regardless of what they're voting for, have little influence; and the influence they may or may not have is easily overcome. The last election should demonstrate that easily.

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

Are you kidding me?!?! 36 million americans have HUGE influence if they all mobilized for voting..

gameguy6700

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

You're failing to take into the account that America's average voter turnout for presidential elections is about 50% (and that's the highest turnout for any election in America too). Typically groups with very strong beliefs tied to politics have much higher voter turnout than the national average. So, yes, that 12% of the population could have quite an impact in an election, especially if they're committed enough to run ads, rallies, donation drives, etc.

And that would be the reason for the Electoral College.

Well thats due to the fact moderates and others didn't vote for him.. My point being that 36 million people are huge in swaying elections for both congress and presidency alike.. In which they could swing upwards to a dozen states in their favor..

sSubZerOo

But that doesn't make any sense. One person, one vote means that every person has just as much ability to sway the election as any other person. People who think that Obama is a Muslim are people who probably weren't going to vote for him even if he was white as a lily.

I didn't expect the UK to be a religious place anyway. Let us celebrate with some tea and crumpets! :D

dracula_16

I love tea their awesome.

[QUOTE="FrostyPhantasm"]Apparently something like 55% of americans think religion is very important, 28% in Canada, and 18% in the UK. Personally i'm happy that we have already elected an atheist prime minister and that religion has no affect on the voting, where as it will be YEARS before an atheist becomes president.mfp16

I don't believe it will ever happen.

I don't go to church because I am not an active practicipant of any organized religion. Why would I go? I went when I was a kid, but no longer.

Well I made this topic because I'm intrested to know American opinion on this as we (Europeans) generaly view you as more religiously conservative.

The Tear Fund survey in 2007 found only 10% of UK adults attended church weekly. The survey alo found that A third or 16.2 million of the Uk's adult population had never been to church in their lives (Apart from weddings and funerals). It also says 29.3 million Uk adults would be unwilling to attend church again. Women, over 55's and those of black origin are more likely to attend.

Attempt to avoid making this a thread about if god exists and stick to your opinons on this, If the thread deviates I may delete it because OT has enougth Chrisitan Vs Atheists threads.

MattDistillery

This is one of the reasons I think marriage as a legal institution should be de-coupled from religion.

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Theokhoth"]

Twelve percent of the population? :| Sure, if they were the only people who voted. California alone has more people.

Theokhoth

You don't get it do you.. If those 36 million are all voters.. They could swing at least a dozen states.. Thats HUGE.. Furthermore that fails.. California has 55 electoral votes.. Thats more electoral votes then some 15 states put together..

The electoral college ultimately decides the election outcome. :|

I get it quite nicely. I get that you seem to believe that 36 million people can somehow organize their efforts to such a degree that they disperse unanimously into "dozens" of states and voice themselves so loudly that they will force the swing in their respective states. That's absurd, has never happened with such a small minority, and can't happen anyway--unless the President or some other highly influential political figure (no, not a talk show host, but a political leader in Washington) rallied them together and organized their efforts in the appropriate states, which would likely have small voice in the process anyway.

That is not "HUGE," that is not even a remote blip on the political radar. In a country of over 300 million people, 36 million people, regardless of what they're voting for, have little influence; and the influence they may or may not have is easily overcome. The last election should demonstrate that easily.

YES THATS HUGE.. The voter turn out is always low.. And many of these states elected officials win at best by a million or less votes in many races.. It doesnt' takea rocket sciientist to understand that a 36 million voter base witha specific agenda can have a HUGE outcome.. If this were NOT the case, elected officials wouldnt' campaign so much in getting certain minority votes and the other thing.. FURTHERMORE California has 50 million people, the majority do not vote.. A mere 2 million voter increase can upset the balacne and have a canidate win.. And we live in a winner takes all electiosn in which the majority decide to which the electroal goes to.. So a close election could turn into a landslide when 1 % of those people.. 3.6 million voted within california.. Which is a huge figure.. thus upsetting the balance.. and all 55 of those electoral votes go to the canidate they voted for.. California during that election Obama won by a landslide of a mere 3 million votes.. 8 million, to 5 million.. 10% of 36 million could have changed that.. For other states like Michigan, Flordia, it was under 1 million and they both have electoral votes over 10.. 36 million base is a SUPERMELY large voting population to worry about.. Especially when states as large as California had a whooping 13 to 14 million out of 50 million people who voted.

[QUOTE="mfp16"][QUOTE="FrostyPhantasm"]Apparently something like 55% of americans think religion is very important, 28% in Canada, and 18% in the UK. Personally i'm happy that we have already elected an atheist prime minister and that religion has no affect on the voting, where as it will be YEARS before an atheist becomes president.Pixel-Pirate

I don't believe it will ever happen.

I don't go to church because I am not an active practicipant of any organized religion. Why would I go? I went when I was a kid, but no longer.