Atheists are Smarter Than Catholics (at least when it comes to religion)

Anonymous
Okay, this article is hysterical!

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/28/survey-a...now-little-religion/
Anonymous
This was unsurprising to me. I know several people who earned masters and PhDs in Religion/ Theology, and every last one of them was a devout atheist.

And it makes perfect sense. We are naturally more willing to critically examine subjects to which we have no emotional attachment.
Anonymous
The original is a better read. For example, you will see that Hispanic Catholics are at the bottom of the knowledge list, while white Catholics are mid-pack, ahead of Protestants, etc.

Averaged together, well ...

The fact that atheists, then Jews are on top of the knowledge list didn't surprise me in the least.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:

The fact that atheists, then Jews are on top of the knowledge list didn't surprise me in the least.


Why are Jews so knowledgeable? Is it because it's so ingrained in the culture? Just curious.

And, how can people be such devout Catholics/Protestants and not know basic things about their religion?? These are people trying to convert others to their religion, but they don't even know details about that religion.
Anonymous
A long, looooong tradition of questioning and valuing education and scholarship.
Anonymous
There's a pretty strong correlation to level of education and score on the test, too. I'm wagering that most people who would label themselves atheist have a college degree.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

The fact that atheists, then Jews are on top of the knowledge list didn't surprise me in the least.


Why are Jews so knowledgeable? Is it because it's so ingrained in the culture? Just curious.

And, how can people be such devout Catholics/Protestants and not know basic things about their religion?? These are people trying to convert others to their religion, but they don't even know details about that religion.


Because our mothers made us all become doctors and lawyers.
Anonymous
Also, Jews have a very high average level of education--hence the higher score.

Mormoms have high literacy rates and learn about other religions as part of their missionary culture.
Anonymous
Don't Catholics have a missionary culture also? Why the ignorance amongst Catholics.
Anonymous
"And, how can people be such devout Catholics/Protestants and not know basic things about their religion?? These are people trying to convert others to their religion, but they don't even know details about that religion. "

Tee hee.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Don't Catholics have a missionary culture also? Why the ignorance amongst Catholics.


Very few Catholics become missionaries, but a huge percentage of Mormon boys and an increasingly large number of Mormon girls become missionaries when they become adults.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Don't Catholics have a missionary culture also? Why the ignorance amongst Catholics.


When I ask this, I'm thinking about countries like India. I visited there a few years ago, and there was such a huge Catholic influence. From what I understand that was due to outside influences.

Anonymous
" Why the ignorance amongst Catholics."

Because the whole point of Catholicism is to listen to the Pope, Bishop, and priest, in that order, rather than thinking critically for oneself.
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