Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Dominus Paradoxum · 02-22-2003, 03:31 PM

What is it, in your opinion, that caused the decline of religion in europe after world war II, and how come the same thing hasn't happened here in america?

Jayjay · 02-22-2003, 08:38 PM

I don't know about WW2, but I feel that the reason many European countries are less religious is because they have state supported religions (in Finland, that would be the Evangelical Lutheran Church). This means that the "official" church has limited monopoly over religion and as such keeps the fringe cults at bay, but at the same time is less efficient (and less interested) in proselytizing people and is forced to be somewhat politically correct in its views.

keitht · 02-25-2003, 09:18 AM

Maybe they just turned their brains on and stopped accepting the tripe being handed out by the tax exempt gravy train.

Godless Dave · 02-26-2003, 10:39 AM

1000 years of devastating wars over meaningless doctrinal differences might have had something to do with it.

Shake · 02-26-2003, 11:46 AM

What GD said, plus:[list=1][*]the Crusades[*]the Reformation[*]ongoing fighting between Catholics and Protestants in N. Ireland[*]general malaise about religion.[/list=1]
I may come back with some more ideas later.

02-22-2003, 03:31 PM	#1
Dominus Paradoxum Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: California Posts: 1,000	A question: What is it, in your opinion, that caused the decline of religion in europe after world war II, and how come the same thing hasn't happened here in america?

02-26-2003, 11:46 AM	#5
Shake Contributor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Folding@Home in upstate NY Posts: 14,394	An answer: What GD said, plus:[list=1][]the Crusades[]the Reformation[]ongoing fighting between Catholics and Protestants in N. Ireland[]general malaise about religion.[/list=1] I may come back with some more ideas later.

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02-22-2003, 08:38 PM	#2
Jayjay Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Finland Posts: 6,261	I don't know about WW2, but I feel that the reason many European countries are less religious is because they have state supported religions (in Finland, that would be the Evangelical Lutheran Church). This means that the "official" church has limited monopoly over religion and as such keeps the fringe cults at bay, but at the same time is less efficient (and less interested) in proselytizing people and is forced to be somewhat politically correct in its views.

02-25-2003, 09:18 AM	#3
keitht Regular Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 171	Maybe they just turned their brains on and stopped accepting the tripe being handed out by the tax exempt gravy train.

02-26-2003, 10:39 AM	#4
Godless Dave Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: With 10,000 lakes who needs a coast? Posts: 10,762	1000 years of devastating wars over meaningless doctrinal differences might have had something to do with it.

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