Congrats Atheists/Agnostics! You are more likely to be Godless liberals

[pepperbear]

Religious Affliation Underestimated in U.S., Study Shows

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/11/AR2006091100459_2.html



*snip*
Among the most innovative aspects of the Baylor survey, scholars who know about it say, are questions that probe how Americans describe God's personality. Respondents were offered 26 attributes ranging from "absolute" and "wrathful" to "friendly," and asking if God is directly involved in and angered by their affairs, and worldly affairs.

The researchers separated God's attributes into four categories: angry, judgmental, benevolent or distant. Researchers found that the largest category of people --31 percent -- was made up of people who believe God both wrathful and highly involved in human affairs.

People's beliefs about God's personality are powerful predictors, according to the survey. Those who found God engaged and punishing were likely to have lower incomes and education, to come from the South and be white evangelicals or black Protestants. People who believe God is distant and nonjudgmental are more likely to support increased business regulation, environmental protections and the even distribution of wealth.

*snip*

Why was this study even done, why is there new evidence now, why does it matter, and last but not least, why is the direct corrolation between a person's declaration of faith and his or her politics the most important "fact", ney the whole gist, of the story.

It seems to me like someone is trying to convince or REMIND us of something...oh, and on an important 9/11 anniversary.

[Warpy]

1. This isn't about atheists or agnostics per se

It's about people who don't demand a personal deity who is concerned with their every thought and deed and who will punish all their enemies in the bargain.

It's more about believers who see god as impersonal.

[hobbit709]

9. Are you a believer

or a thinker? That is the question.

[nosillies]

11. Both, thank you, they are not mutually exclusive n/t

[whiterabbit76]

2. Proud to...

Be a strong supporter of increased business regulation, environmental protections and the even distribution of wealth!! :hippie:

[valerief]

3. Nice to see the jump in No Religion, but I'm leery of telephone

surveys. What kind of person actually answers those questions? I can't imagine a mature, intelligent person wasting their precious time on them.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

4. combine that with

the studies that shoulded in increase in mental illness correlated with the strength of religious beliefs, and it all makes sense.

[displacedtexan]

5. It's Baylor, for crying out loud.

Enough said.

[stepnw1f]

6. All This Does is Create a Divide between Liberals

I really don't care for this type of shit. It isn't going to help us by having a pissing contest between believers and non-believers.

[stepnw1f]

7. Dupe... oooops (nt)

[maxsolomon]

8. whatever "God" is, it is none of those attributes or all of them

the Hubris of this sentence: "The researchers separated God's attributes into four categories..."

You have to be dumb to envision the Divine as, basically, Zeus.

[whistle]

10. Liberalism is the republican Christian fascist label for evil