Why IS religion a big factor in American society and culture as opposed to other

1. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   Why IS religion a big factor in American society and culture as opposed to other postmodern Western
   
   nations who eschew religion as an outmoded, atavistic concept which gets in the way of progress and continual human growth? Why do so many Americans hold on to religion as the ultimate be and end all?
   
   

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2. 85

   M. T. Dremerposted 8 years ago

   I understand that this is going to sound incredibly insulting, but I believe the reason is because the U.S. has a declining standard of education. We repeatedly rank below those other modern countries, and we don't seem to be doing much to correct it. Public schools are under-funded and difficult to reform, while private schools (and college) carry such bloated tuition fees that most can't attend.
   
   I'm not trying to imply that religious people are stupid. Rather, people with more education are more likely to diversify theological debate, as well as focus on global issues, rather than just those that pertain to their personal lives. A lot of intelligent religious people already do this, but I think we need more of it. We need higher standards of education, and lower entry fees, in order to focus on modern issues, rather than debating about prayer in schools.

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   1. 84

      gmwilliamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Not insulting at all but refreshingly honest.America is indeed backward in some aspects because of its high religiosity.It is very appalling really.  Religion permeates everything including politics.Americans hold on religion like a security blanket.

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   2. 81

      KatyWhoWaitedposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      M.T., I have often thought it is the lack of teaching higher level thinking skills that's at the core of the inability of Americans to apply logic to ideas presented,  thus allowing people to be duped by marketing - whether of products or religion.

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