I'm proud to say that I am not a part of this so-called Christian religion. I once was a part of this movement, but now I am not. I have freed myself from this bondage. I am no longer tied to any religious movement, such as, Christianity. I now have my own religion. I am what is called, "Eclectic Solitary Pagan."
So Mote It Be.

We know the world isn't flat anymore, but imagine all that there is that we don't understand yet.

Religion was a man-made construct with noble intent, but it could use some serious updating. I sure as hell don't think the world will last very long without some system of morals and positive social influence above and beyond just the bare minimums of criminal law.

Look at how the fabric of American society is crumbling along with so many other things. Is this coincidence? The problem is most people are inherently stupid and need to be taught a set of instructions to keep them from hurting themselves and others. I agree religion is completely outdated, but what's the other option? Let hip-hop culture take over?

This country (and world) would self-destruct in a heartbeat if everyone acted that way.

I say God is science.

Do the math.

I know the Bible isn't to be taken literally and it truly tortures me that the only moral belief guide is 2000 years old, but I've damn sure experienced so many things in my life that are beyond coincidence it makes you wonder how much we truly don't know.

In the infinitely complex matrix of time and space in which things interact, it's very hard to presume you know what does and doesn't truly exist.

To an atheist ant, there is no God. To a "believer" ant, they might perceive humans as "God".

Now just imagine if humans are ants in the grand scheme of things.

As advanced as we may think we are, humans are still comically primitive and ignorant creatures, I know that for sure. Just look around you or turn on the t.v.

Let's see, what does this make me?

I've never believed in mainstream religion, because I found it, well, frankly, unbelievable. In keeping to that same line of thought throughout my life until my late 20's, I was insulted by the mere concept of "born again Christians" finding everyone to be associated with religion in that way to be extreme hypocrites.

I hate hypocrites which is also one of the main reasons I didn't buy into religion despite being taken to the Methodist church regularly as I child.

Still, I agree with the logic behind the moral influence that has stayed with me to a large extent independent of the fairytales that many people believe far too literally.

Yes, indoctrinated religious people are not the best example of the way to go about things, because even if they are doing the "right" thing, they aren't necessarily doing it for the right reason. But what is the lesser of the evils in trying to get people to treat one another with kindness and respect for the long-term betterment of mankind?

Religion should be about instilling consideration, kindness, and respect into people, and it worries me that so many people use it for other purposes.

I feel intelligent, concerned people like the types that take the time to write and comment on these posts, much like me, assume other people to be far more intelligent and responsible than they really are.

What happens when the "sheep-types" don't have someone teaching them to be good human beings?

As far as the numbers of "evangelicals" goes...at least it's not as bad as the Muslim countries. In America at least we have the freedom to believe whatever we want.

Regardless of how many "evangelicals" there truly are, I think quantifying the stats like that for reporting one way or another is relatively off point anyway.

Funny, they forget that we all are individuals and we actually do in fact have minds...

So with that theory some of us might actually use the grey matter...

I bet that is scary to some! (friendly smile)
Can't blame it on the Religious Right any more... aack!

Thanks for posting this story :)

Atheist/agnostic pride! Let's create a voting block!

Just kidding.

What I've never understood about Evangelicals or any other religious fanatic is why they care so much about what everyone else is or isn't doing. Live YOUR life by whatever doctrine you choose or none at all if that's the case but don't force or enforce your arcane beliefs on the rest.

Evangeliticals need to stop. They're polluting our government with conservatism. I can't believe Europe is more progressive than America.

I'm glad the truth about Evangelicals is coming out. I hope US politicians hear this loud and clear. Perhaps, then, we will be free from hate and homophobia in our politics and law.

The number of Evangelicals may be that low, but their beliefs are far more widespread. Which is the real problem here.

In fact, the world Evangelical is misleading. Most people have come to see it as a bad word for Christianity, but the branch itself is not particularly insane.

It's the beliefs that televangelists and other hardcore morons hold that are spreading, not the particular label of that group.

Those who cannot do, teach
Those who cannot teach, preach

Theologians are Symbol Simons

and they always complained when homosexuals used the 10% figure. :)

The religious right has had more than its share of influence on our elections,beginning with their support of Ronald Reagan. It was Reagan's ability as a charismatic speaker that got him elected, not his policy proposals. I thank god that the Republicans don't have that charismatic leader anymore.
Unfortunately, our national elections are still too much of a popularity contest, and we still need to eliminate the outdated and dysfunctional electoral college system.
The good news today is that the current Democratic nominee has both the charisma and the intellect that are needed.

Religion kills, because ignorance kills.

America still is one of the world's theist bastions, and I taking part in it's transformation. I don't want to live in a Saudi Arabia.

XVX for life, R.A.S.H. 'til death.

"In truth, Wicker points out, the fastest-growing belief category in America is not evangelicalism, but the group to which so many on the left belong: non-believers. From 1990 to 2001 in America, their numbers increased from 14 million to 29 million. " Woohoo!

This is a really interesting post, I definitely think that people categorize themselves into a religion without fully believing everything it entails. So when we hear statistics like the ones you use or that "80% of America" is Christian, we really have to think about what that means. Certainly not all christians (or jews or catholics or whatever!) vote the same or even believe the same things. Politicians should put way less emphasis on religious beliefs and deal with issues based on how people really feel, not how they are labeled.