As time moves on, we learn more and more about how things work, even when science is wrong on a subject it tends to correct itself when new evidence is discovered. Undoubtedly people today are more willing to question things than before, and the rate of atheism has been steadily rising, so my question is:
As time moves on, will people stop believing in God? Say 30 centuries from now will people still pray?
Obviously I know you guys can’t predict the future, but what I am asking is just for your opinion on the matter.
Posted: October 25th 2009
Eric_PK
It’s an interesting question, and I think the answer is “probably”, but not for the reasons you note.
It’s certainly true that scientists – and especially notable scientists – tend to be considerably less religious, but there’s been a trend towards less atheism in science recently. Perhaps it has to do with more specialization.
The best research out there suggests that it’s not a scientific outlook that reduces religious belief but the existence of a social safety net. Europe went from quite religious only 50 years ago to be the least religious region now, while the beliefs in the US have only decreased a small amount (it’s hard to tell what US belief has actually done – it may just be that being an atheist has less stigma and so more people are willing to state it).
Posted: October 26th 2009