Atheists, agnostics most knowledgeable about religion, survey says

[irishpatrick]

This is an interesting discussion. There is a difference between knowing about religion and accepting any particular religion. Accepting a religion on faith does not necessarily bring knowledge about the religion, which is a far different thing. Many Catholics are woefully ignorant of church history. Ask some about the Council of Trent, when the doctrine of Papal Infallibility was adopted, or the role of Emperor Constantine, for example, and you will draw a lot of blank looks.

I agree. Along with many Catholics, there are many Protestants who are woefully ignorant of the history of the Christian faith, they do not realize they should be Catholic because the Catholic faith is the fullest expression of what Christ gave the world. However, just because they do not know history, does not mean they do not fully love the Lord…they have great faith.

 

[OriginalJS]

I don’t think it’s all that necessary to be knowledgable about the history of religion, the “historical” Jesus, Paul, etc. It’s much more important to have sincere faith in the Lord. Sometimes too much knowledge can lead people away from true trusting faith. What did Jesus say about the little children?

Why should too much knowledge lead people away from true trusting faith? Is ignorance bliss?

 

[irishpatrick]

Why should too much knowledge lead people away from true trusting faith? Is ignorance bliss?

There is no such thing as too much knowledge of the faith; however, knowledge without faith is meaningless.

We live in a world that seeks absolute proof, and that oftentimes is where atheists fall–in the absolute requirement of proof column. When it comes to matters of faith, there are few times when absolute proof is available, though they do exist.

 

[cyberwolf001]

For the interested the Wild Hunt has the numbers. The difference between Atheists and Agnostics and Christians on Religion was .5 not the triumph Atheist are claiming. It is Hispanic Catholics that REALLY took the numbers down.

From Link I know normally Blogs aren’t welcomed but this one has the numbers and an interesting commentary.

 

[wisdomseeker]

If you want to know about God, you might want to talk to an atheist. Heresy? Perhaps. But a survey that measured Americans’ knowledge of religion found that atheists and agnostics knew more, on average, than followers of most major faiths. In fact, the gaps in knowledge among some of the faithful may give new meaning to the term “blind faith.”

A majority of Protestants, for instance, couldn’t identify Martin Luther as the driving force behind the Protestant Reformation, according to the survey, released Tuesday by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Four in 10 Catholics misunderstood the meaning of their church’s central ritual, incorrectly saying that the bread and wine used in Holy Communion are intended to merely symbolize the body and blood of Christ, not actually become them.

latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-religion-survey-20100928,0,6399694,print.story

The reason Catholics are so confused about the Eucharist is because they are being tought by protestant theology that have invaded the Church since VII. I know because i have witnessed CCD teacher teachings kids protestant teachings. it has saddened me and it is not getting any better there is no longer emphasize on heretical teachings any more and Catholics are being exposed to protestant theology everywhere. so I am not surprised. the mixing of religion that teaches diferent things all around, how one thinks that this can be a good thing is beyond me. if you want to believe what the CC teaches one must shield himself from those who teaches contrary.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

I had a similar thought. If one thinks they know religion, yet rejects God, than how well do they really know religion? It is easy to remember some facts or talking points.

Quite right.

I would posit THE main reason Atheists and Agnostics are so “knowledgeable” about Religion (particulalry the Christian Religion) has to do with the fact that, in order for them to justify their Heretical and Illogical Ideology and Philosophy, they have to read up on their Christian History and Theology in order to have enough information and “Ammunition” to back them up (they think) in debates with Believers.

That is IT.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

The reason Catholics are so confused about the Eucharist is because they are being tought by protestant theology that have invaded the Church since VII. I know because i have witnessed CCD teacher teachings kids protestant teachings. it has saddened me and it is not getting any better there is no longer emphasize on heretical teachings any more and Catholics are being exposed to protestant theology everywhere. so I am not surprised. the mixing of religion that teaches diferent things all around, how one thinks that this can be a good thing is beyond me. if you want to believe what the CC teaches one must shield himself from those who teaches contrary.

Indeed.

More of the same old, same old “trying to be relevant” and “with the times” ideology that is prevalent in certain places in the Church. Sad.

 

[cathgal]

I don’t know if they should be teaching about Hell in their homilies. It would encourage people to serve God out of fear of Hell instead of out of pure love for Him. They should talk more about why we should love God.

I agree with you about the sacraments, however.

Whatever are you thinking?

Hell should be preached…and frequently. The world is where is at today because it’s not preached enough if at all. They think there is no consequences for their actions

Better to fear God than if a person neither love nor fear God. In time, maybe fear will turn to love.