How can a country be nonreligious? how does it work?

1. 71

   Darknlovely3436posted 13 years ago

   How can a country be nonreligious? how does it work?
   
   It is said the Sweden is the most non religious county in the world about 85%non believers..who control the mind of its citizen?

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2. 59

   Scosgroveposted 13 years ago

   I'm not sure what kind of question this is. People can be nonreligious and do just fine, so why shouldn't a country?

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3. 69

   Mr. Happyposted 13 years ago

   I do not feel that the minds of citizens should be controlled. People should be able to think on their own. Countries work on laws for the most part, unless you're in Saudi Arabia or something like that ... even there, the society is based on laws, just that those laws are based on a religion.

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4. 58

   Filouposted 13 years ago

   Probably most citizens live on simple ethical values. Most people only know a fraction of the laws that exist in their country – which does not necessarily mean that they end up in prison once a week.

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5. 58

   sky789posted 13 years ago

   Very interesting question I think non-religion does attempt to teach some morally sound things, and the intention is generally there to promote a good way of life.
   
   I also think one of the side effects of community-based belief systems result in a more collective sense of hatred for opposition to the common belief. This is exclusive to religion NOT because non-religion is bad, but because organization of the belief structure results in a unified system with common ideals.
   
   Those who are spiritual and seek their own meaning and answers, along with atheists, don't experience this same negative side effect because neither "sect" are anywhere near the big religions in terms of organization and common goal.
   
   Non-Religion breeds conformity, where less organized belief systems breed individuality, which in turn encourages creativity, curiosity, critical thinking.
   
   I'm not picking on non-religion. I dont think it ONLY serves to indirectly influence our society in a negative way. I think non-religion does teach good things. I'm not saying atheism doesn't promote the same things. I'm just saying it doesn't promote hatred and turn that hatred into action.

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6. 78

   stclairjackposted 13 years ago

   most if not all of europe began as pagans that converted to christianity, no difference between the opperation of iether,... but a uniform moral code based on comunity aproval and comon good was around in cave man times,.... its a social human thing,... its what makes us unique among the creatures of this earth,.... if the belief system is common to a large group of self governing people, it quickly becomes religion,.... so the concept of a non-religious country or society,... its a myth,.... there will always be one religion or another, .... one belief system or another,... its only a matter of which one is fashionable at any given time and place.

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7. 60

   Ben_Andersonposted 13 years ago

   Hi Darknlovely3436
   
   I suppose some countries can, but a country as big as Sweden, I find that quite unusual.
   
   Having said that, sometimes the media represents 90 or 95% of a country to represent the full 100%, just because...well it's the media...enough said.
   
   Personally, I don't like to get into religion, it's a very grey area and it's hard to tell right from wrong.
   
   All the best,
   
   Ben

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8. 61

   Airport-Parkingposted 13 years ago

   Mind control is wrong and religion shouldn’t aim to control people’s minds, most don't. Although when faith healers take money from people in return for 'special' attention from the 'lord above' it is very wrong.
   
   From my research religion has originated from people worshiping the sun, so maybe people addicted to gaining sun tans are under mind control too?
   
   Maybe there's not so much Sun in Sweden?

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9. 66

   charmike4posted 13 years ago

   Last year I visited China as a part of a Uni study trip.  One of the lecturers spoke about this dilemma in China.  China is largely non-religious and there is a thought in the Chinese academic scene that some form of religion would help to increase social justice and a sense of community.
   
   By not having a religious background most Chinese only care about themselves and their direct family. Whereas in countries that have established religious and a history of religion (whether it is practised or not) leads to more community support and caring about others.
   
   So, in answer to the question, a country can be non-religious today, but if the country is founded on religious morals and concepts this is embedded into the culture. Countries without a religious background tend to feel that they need this moral attitude in order to drive change in their communities. Whether the country today is religious or not is immaterial.

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10. 83

    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    The citizens think for themselves and act for the benefit of all.  Government is not a religious institution and should not borrow it's authority from God, but earn it by doing good things for the people and the nation.

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11. 60

    editorposted 13 years ago

    I think morality is often associated with religion, but why that is the case is beyond me. Google for information about holy wars, The Inquisition, abuse, the list goes on.
    
    I suspect Sweden is a country made up of individuals each with a strong sense of civic duty and personal responsibility.
    
    It's not magic...

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12. 82

    David Warrenposted 13 years ago

    I'm not sure I follow what you trying to ask here but I certainly don't think that the citizens' of any country should have their minds' controlled by anything.

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13. 59

    secularist10posted 13 years ago

    The best alternatives to religious belief are to rely on logic, reason, secular science, rationality and critical thinking.
    
    Everybody has these tools, they just need to exercise them by questioning assumptions, not believing everything they hear from authority figures, and cultivating their own creativity, curiosity and independent spirit.
    
    Human beings have an innate sense of morality. Almost every normal person is born with a basic sense of fairness, right/ wrong and respect. In free societies, where children are not brainwashed by a rigid ideology or religion, this moral sense is allowed to grow and flourish naturally.
    
    Between our basic instincts for right and wrong, and our rational faculties for knowledge, we have all the tools we need for happiness and prosperity.
    
    In other words, we do not need religion or ideology. We need only the heart and the mind.

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14. 71

    Darknlovely3436posted 12 years ago

    http://www.randburg.com/sw/general/general_6.html this is how it works according to the researcher...

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