Atheists Morally Superior to Christians?

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

Maybe because there are statiscally more christians?

OH NO THAT CAN'T BE IT!

:roll:

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

Stesilaus

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

Well its easy to create an argument that atheists are more moral than Christians based on numbers. For example, Christianity has commandments that one cannot break in order to be considered "moral." The atheist on the other hand can be considered moral by creating his own hackneyed set of tenents. How exactly are you judging morality? I hardly call prison statistics an accurate reading.

This argument doesn't even focus on the possible flaws in that data. Is there the same trend over all countries? Do the statistics control for income, education, race, etc? I highly doubt it.

Maybe because there are statiscally more christians?

OH NO THAT CAN'T BE IT!

:roll:

hokies1313

And the fact that most prisoners find religion once they get inside.

Maybe because there are statiscally more christians?

OH NO THAT CAN'T BE IT!

:roll:

hokies1313

The quoted statistics take that into account! They compare each group's representation in prison with its representation in the overall population.

Atheists that convert to Christianity in Jail/Prison?

Atheists that convert to Christianity in Jail/Prison?

Frexie

Pretty much this. I wouldn't be surprised that those numbers are inflated simply because a lot of people start to look towards faith once they are in prison. If I remember correctly, most prison bunks come with a holy bible, so I guess that would contribute to that effect.

Well, of course there are going to be more Christians in prison, since there are more of them in the population.

Please use your brain next time.

Well, of course there are going to be more Christians in prison, since there are more of them in the population.

Please use your brain next time.

Fire_Ants

:P Please try to understand the opening post before insulting the person who wrote it.

[QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

H8sMikeMoore

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

exactly

plus it ok to kill in the name of god.

and just because people claim to be christian odesnt mean they practice it. there is a difference between talking the talk and walking the walk.Paper_Knife

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt 7:15-23)

[QUOTE="hokies1313"]

Maybe because there are statiscally more christians?

OH NO THAT CAN'T BE IT!

:roll:

Stesilaus

The quoted statistics take that into account! They compare each group's representation in prison with its representation in the overall population.

no they don't, it just shows that the group that has more numbers, has more numbers in prison. How does that take anything into account?

That is like saying, out of a group of 50 men and 10 women, half of them in prison, men make up a high percentage of prisoners. Of course they would, they have a higher representation and therefore a higher representation in prison.

[QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

mrbojangles25

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

exactly

plus it ok to kill in the name of god.

I'm tired of these Topics about Athiests being Superior, Moral and Whatnot! We are all equal! be it Christian, Buddhist or Athiest. It's because of these things that people start hating a race or believe. I'm Catholic and can't believe the way people do this!

Plus! Your poll is only America

no they don't, it just shows that the group that has more numbers, has more numbers in prison. How does that take anything into account?

That is like saying, out of a group of 50 men and 10 women, half of them in prison, men make up a high percentage of prisoners. Of course they would, they have a higher representation and therefore a higher representation in prison.

hokies1313

I'm tired of these Topics about Athiests being Superior, Moral and Whatnot! We are all equal! be it Christian, Buddhist or Athiest. It's because of these things that people start hating a race or believe. I'm Catholic and can't believe the way people do this!

Plus! Your poll is only America

pspdseagle

People are still going to argue about who/what is superior. It's only human nature to do so.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

JPGR-

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

exactly

plus it ok to kill in the name of god.

oh sorry, I didnt know this thread was christian-specific, my mistake. I was speaking about religious nuts (not religous people) in general. But no, Christians dont do much killing in the name of God, but a lot seem to support the idea.

Anyway...people, when are you going to learn? The morals of people are generally good, be they christian or atheist. Dont steal...that is something everyone knows not to do. it doesnt matter if your folks or priest told you, ok? Nobody is superior, we are all equals.

no they don't, it just shows that the group that has more numbers, has more numbers in prison. How does that take anything into account?

That is like saying, out of a group of 50 men and 10 women, half of them in prison, men make up a high percentage of prisoners. Of course they would, they have a higher representation and therefore a higher representation in prison.

hokies1313

In your example, 5/6 of the general population is male, and 5/6 of the prison population is male. The percentages are equal.

The percentages are NOT equal in the stats given by the TC, thus showing that yes... there is a disproportionately larger number of Christian prisoners. It is NOT simply due to Christians making up a majority of the population.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

JPGR-

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

exactly

plus it ok to kill in the name of god.

It's amazing how absent-minded you guys are! We don't kill in the name of God! Plus the Religious also live live to the fullest! Why wouldn't they?

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

Oleg_Huzwog

And we have a winner. That and a lack of education I would add.

[QUOTE="Fire_Ants"]

Well, of course there are going to be more Christians in prison, since there are more of them in the population.

Please use your brain next time.

Oleg_Huzwog

:P Please try to understand the opening post before insulting the person who wrote it.

Oh, missed that part. I apoloize for what I said :P

[QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

mrbojangles25

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

exactly

plus it ok to kill in the name of god.

I think it may well be true that some people who call themselves Christians misinterpret scripture as a license to do as they please, believing that faith in the doctrine will compensate for ill deeds. To be fair, though, I think most trulydevout Christians would condemn such an interpretation of the scripture.

I somewhat regret the tone of the original posting. Even though I myself am an atheist, most of my closest friends have actually been Christians. I don't want to be seen to bash Christians or Christianity needlessly. I apologize if it seemed that way.

:(

[QUOTE="Oleg_Huzwog"]

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

domatron23

And we have a winner. That and a lack of education I would add.

Add "and a hell of a lot more" and then we really have a winner.

[QUOTE="Oleg_Huzwog"]

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

domatron23

And we have a winner. That and a lack of education I would add.

You guys do realize that you are calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking! Because the statistics the Topic Maker makes are based on Christians; poor people are more likely Catholic and not Christian. It just proves that the Statistics may be innacurate or made up.

[QUOTE="JPGR-"][QUOTE="mrbojangles25"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="Stesilaus"]

The contention seems to be borne out by statistics:

Atheists, who make up somewhere between 3-14% of the population make up just 0.2% of the prison population.

Christians, on the other hand, who make up 81% of the population make up 84% of the prison population.

In fact, a Christian is at least 15 times more likely on average to end up in jail than an atheist.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080605174356AAAIOo8

(Note that the Yahoo posting is accompanied by references.)

pspdseagle

atheists live life for the best, because they think thats all they have

christians think its okay to do bad things because if you repent before you die you goto heaven

exactly

plus it ok to kill in the name of god.

It's amazing how absent-minded you guys are! We don't kill in the name of God! Plus the Religious also live live to the fullest! Why wouldn't they?

That's not necessarily true.

[QUOTE="hokies1313"]no they don't, it just shows that the group that has more numbers, has more numbers in prison. How does that take anything into account?

That is like saying, out of a group of 50 men and 10 women, half of them in prison, men make up a high percentage of prisoners. Of course they would, they have a higher representation and therefore a higher representation in prison.

Oleg_Huzwog

In your example, 5/6 of the general population is male, and 5/6 of the prison population is male. The percentages are equal.

The percentages are NOT equal in the stats given by the TC, thus showing that yes... there is a disproportionately larger number of Christian prisoners. It is NOT simply due to Christians making up a majority of the population.

Well, a larger population will still factor to how many are in the prison. There are also alot of other factors that effect why hardly any of the atheist population is in prison.

It's all about factors :?

[QUOTE="domatron23"][QUOTE="Oleg_Huzwog"]

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

pspdseagle

And we have a winner. That and a lack of education I would add.

You guys do realize that you are calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking! Because the statistics the Topic Maker makes are based on Christians; poor people are more likely Catholic and not Christian. It just proves that the Statistics may be innacurate or made up.

You guys do realize that you are calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking!pspdseagle

Wow. How the heck did you arrive at this conclusion?

Atheists put all their energy into bashing Christians. Nothing left for committing crimes.TheBigTicket21

I'm an atheist, I never bash anyone Christian. It's pointless. And rude.

:|

[QUOTE="pspdseagle"][QUOTE="domatron23"][QUOTE="Oleg_Huzwog"]

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

bededog

And we have a winner. That and a lack of education I would add.

You guys do realize that you are calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking! Because the statistics the Topic Maker makes are based on Christians; poor people are more likely Catholic and not Christian. It just proves that the Statistics may be innacurate or made up.

Catholicism is the 'whore of Babylon'. In other words, they are chrsitians who have been lead astray. Many of their beliefs are either not in the Bible or directly contradict it.

Catholicism is the 'whore of Babylon'. In other words, they are chrsitians who have been lead astray. Many of their beliefs are either not in the Bible or directly contradict it.

Taegukki

I doubt it, and in either case I can guarantee that most poor Christians (American, anyway) aren't Catholic.

[QUOTE="pspdseagle"]You guys do realize that you are calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking!Oleg_Huzwog

Wow. How the heck did you arrive at this conclusion?

It's a quote directed at 2 other guys who said it was because of it! Why would you do that if you knew?

That's actually pretty stupid to jump to that conclusion once you consider a few factors....A quarter of inmates in the US are illigal immigrants from Mexico (a Christian country), and you have the fact that a family that isn't doing too well economically is more bound to look to religion for hopes of support, which happen to be the same people who don't live in an area where they could get an education good enough to keep them out of crime.

So yeah, it's stupid to just jump to that conclusion when you haven't even listed the possible factors. While I'm also an atheist, this is a classic example of elitism. Kind of hypocritical if you ask me.

Well, a larger population will still factor to how many are in the prison. There are also alot of other factors that effect why hardly any of the atheist population is in prison.

It's all about factors :?

Fire_Ants

Population size should not impact population ratio. If X% of the general population wears glasses, then it'd be expected that X% of the prison population wears glasses. If the two percentages do not equal, then there must be some characteristic about people who wear glasses that make them more or less likely to go to prison.

[QUOTE="bededog"][QUOTE="pspdseagle"][QUOTE="domatron23"][QUOTE="Oleg_Huzwog"]

I'd wager poverty is the common denominator here.

Taegukki

And we have a winner. That and a lack of education I would add.

You guys do realize that you are calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking! Because the statistics the Topic Maker makes are based on Christians; poor people are more likely Catholic and not Christian. It just proves that the Statistics may be innacurate or made up.

Catholicism is the 'whore of Babylon'. In other words, they are chrsitians who have been lead astray. Many of their beliefs are either not in the Bible or directly contradict it.

Catholicism is the original Christrian religon, what are you talking about?

It's a quote directed at 2 other guys who said it was because of it! Why would you do that if you knew?

pspdseagle

I'm one of those "other guys". I'd like to know how you took my quote of "I'd wager poverty is the common denominator" and proceeded to twist it into your bizarre accusation of us calling 90% of Americans poor and education lacking.