You may be surprised at the results of a survey for the 10?

least religious countries in the world.

















1. Sweden (up to 85% non-believer, atheist, agnostic)


2. Vietnam


3. Denmark


4. Norway


5. Japan


6. Czech Republic


7. Finland


8. France


9. South Korea


10. Estonia (up to 49% non-believer, atheist, agnostic)





Surprisingly, number 19th was Israel with 37% claiming to be non-believers. The United States ranked 44th. The survey concluded that "high levels of organic atheism are strongly correlated with high levels of societal health, such as low homicide rates, low poverty rates, low infant mortality rates, and low illiteracy rates, as well as high levels of educational attainment, per capita income, and gender equality. Most nations characterized by high degrees of individual and societal security have the highest rates of organic atheism, and conversely, nations characterized by low degrees of individual and societal security have the lowest rates of organic atheism. Are you surprise ?

You may be surprised at the results of a survey for the 10?
No, I'm not surprised, and I found the correlations particularly telling. I lived in Japan for eight years. For most Japanese, religion is at the throw-a-coin-in-the-fountain-and-wish superstitious level. They make a 5-minute stop at the local Shinto temple, clap their hands to call the gods, bow as they make a wish(I mean pray), throw a yen coin in the collection bin, and depart.


I would like you to add your source so that I can research further. I'd like to know what countries are MORE religious than the U.S. I assume these will include most Islamic countries because being a non-believer is just not allowed and in fact is punishable(even by death) in many of them. It's dangerous to come out of the closet as a non-believer in the U.S, but it's much more dangerous in most Islamic countries.
Reply:Maybe I should move to Sweden
Reply:I am not surprised at all. Thanks for the information.
Reply:I believe it shows that once you throw away dogma, you can move forward towards alleviating societies ills.
Reply:Woah, I wasn't expecting France. Where was Switzerland ranked?
Reply:I'm not surprised in the least. Furthermore, I would note that its not a case of societal standing affecting religious ties, but the lack of dependency on external authorities positively affecting the individual condition, thus improving society.





However, it must be dually noted that this change originates from the individual, and cannot be forced upon anyone. Meaning the upper percentile of religious peoples are not ready to be their own master, so unfortunately society as a whole still depends on the religious canon to protect us from those unwilling to be their own authority.





Look at the top 5 countries. Three of these countries are totally liberal, allowing rampant drug use, sex with children, and homosexuality. This is a negative affect on society, and proof that we are not yet ready for total freedom. Moreover it taints the numbers on societal health, and raises the question of what the studies definition of societal health is.





It is a prime example of individual evolution and its affects on society. Yes, we need to break free of our oppressive religions and governments. But we cannot discard our own morality in the process.





I to would like to have a link to this study if you will?
Reply:Nope, not surprised at all.