Is Our World Better Off without God?

Sam Rainer

October 29, 2007

A poll conducted by sociologists at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta seeks to answer if people really need God to be good. The outcome: forgiveness, generosity, concern, and patience are more important to people who believe in God than atheists. And the spread between the two groups is substantial.

  • Forgiveness is “very important.” 84% of theists say yes, only 52% of atheists agree.
  • Patience is “very important.” 72% of theists say yes, only 39% of atheists agree.
  • Generosity is “very important.” 67% of theists say yes, only 37% of atheists agree.
  • Concern for others is “very important.” 82% of theists say yes, only 63% of atheists agree.
  • Family life is “very important.” 88% of theists say yes, only 65% of atheists agree.

Frankly, a belief in God in an amorphous sense does not save an individual. But the difference between atheists and theists is hard to deny. It’s enough to make one shudder. Sounds like a God delusion denial to me…what do you think?

5 comments on “Is Our World Better Off without God?”

  1. There is a major difference when you consider at least for the theist there is a recognition that there is something bigger than themselves.

    For an atheist – not the case, which is why the largest atrocities committed in the modern age have been committed by atheists.

  2. forthekingdom says:

    Well stated Shane.

  3. Josh H. says:

    This does not surprise me. If you think other living things, including yourself, are nothing more than organized water, doubtful you have much concern for them, since there is essentially no meaning to life. It’s sad.

  4. Sam Rainer says:

    Josh – “organized water” – that’s a good one. Kinda makes me feel bad about drinking a bottle of Dasani…ok, not quite, since it’s just Atlanta tap water.

  5. Josh H. says:

    Maybe you should feel bad – there’s not much to go around down there these days. Send it back!

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