Religion Facts

Christianity is still the largest religion on earth, boasting over 2.1 billion members. Islam is closing in fast though with a total count of 1.5 billion people. Agnostic and atheists are the third largest group at 1.1 billion people. Hinduism comes up fourth at 900 million chill folks. Chinese traditional religions host 394 million people. The world contains 376 million Buddhists who are all about Big Bellied Buddha. Primal/tribal beliefs are still 300 million strong even in our supposedly advanced world. African Traditional and Diasporic religions host 100 million people in the 8th place. Sikhism has the 9th most people with 23 million members- What the hell is Sikhism?!? Juche, another unfamiliar religion has 14 million members. Judaism ranks in at the 12th position with 14 million members. Others of interest include Rastafarians (600,000) and Scientology (500,000).

Statistics have shown that the more educated an individual is, the less likely he or she is to be religious or to believe in a God. Fully three quarters of the members of the National Academy of Science member have a “personal disbelief in god” and twenty percent more claim to be “agnostic or have doubt”. That’s a whopping 92%. An interesting comparison is that less than 1% of the United States prison population is atheist. Hmmm….

Many religious people defend religion by saying that even if it isn’t true, it leads to better morals and better lives. Is that true? The facts say no: the divorce rate among atheists and agnostics is 21%, vs 30% for Jews, 27% for born again Christians. You might want to go back to the last paragraph and check out the religious affiliations of the prison populations as well. It seems that intelligent, well educated people are atheists who generally are more committed to their relationships and less likely to engage in criminal behavior. Agnostics and atheists are significantly less likely to be bad people than are religious folks. Why is this? Religion places all sorts of restrictions on people’s relationships, sexual behaviors, thoughts and even the foods they are supposed to eat and drink. All of this additional pressure causes people to allow anger, sexual frustration and hate to build up over time till it gets out of control and explodes, causing pain and suffering in themselves and the people around them.

Below I have attached the religious beliefs of the current candidates for the 2008 presidential election in the United States of America:

Wow, most of these candidates are pretty ridiculous. We have Barack Obama who is probably faking his belief in religion to try to win the presidential election, Mike Huckabee the wacko Southern preacher and Mitt Romney the scary Mormon bishop. I say throw a dart at a dartboard if you are going to vote, or better yet don’t vote!

Studying how religion has influence world history and the goods and ills that it has caused mankind is a very valuable exercise in better understanding your own religious beliefs and I strongly recommend that everyone do so. Does anyone have any thoughts on religion beyond what I have listed here?

24 Responses to “Religion Facts”

1. 1
   BlackRooster Says:
   January 31st, 2008 at 5:05 pm

   VOTE ARNOLD….If we all vote for him then they have to change the constitution and let him at least run. If he gets like a ridiculous aount of votes then they have to make him president. everyone who is voting, please just write ARNIE on your ballots and it will happen.

2. 2
   Joel Says:
   January 31st, 2008 at 5:15 pm

   Ahnold would be ze gweatest pwesidant in ze histories of man. I love Ahnold…

   We should all write in Arnie, it’ll be more effective than participating in the silly voting game.

3. 3
   God Says:
   February 1st, 2008 at 7:39 pm

   Change the Constitution and let him run. Why not?

   I’m a pretty staunch conservative on a couple of platforms but have had to repeatedly express my enormous distaste for choices on either ballots.

   I like the idea of a small government who regulates trade and defends the borders. And does little beyond that. I also firmly support the notion that most major social issues need to be decided at the state level. Smaller groups of populations tend to have more in common and it would be easier for you (if your extreme right or left) to relocate to a different state, rather than a different country.

   One interesting side note is that Barack has a huge international following. There was book published in Germany calling him the “Black Kennedy” that made the best seller list. He also supposedly is popular in China and several other major economic powers. As we can see lately, giving your middle finger to the international community won’t do us any favors. And with America’s economic and military power becoming less impressive (see Joel’s earlier NY Times article reference) we need to keep our friends abroad as close as possible.

   I’m voting Ron Paul, Arnold, or Bloomberg if he runs.

4. 4
   God Says:
   February 1st, 2008 at 7:47 pm

   Oh and Sikhism is the religion where men where turbans, grow long beards, and wear metal bracelets. They had to deal with a lot crap following 9/11 even though they come from Punjab region of India.

   Its a fairly new take on an old belief system. It had its big take off following the martyrdom of the fifth Guru in the 1600’s. There are some very cool aspects to the belief-
   Sikh followers wear identifying features or styles to identify with one of five major tenets. One, the Kirpan, carry a sword strapped to them at all times.

   Sikhs believe that they are called to be saint soldiers (kind of like Poet Warriors from Braveheart), who are willing to fight, if necessary and circumstances allow, to lay his or her life down to protect the poor and weak, regardless of race, religion, sex or creed.

   Alot of the turbaned taxi drivers are Sikh. (Not another ethnic groub).

5. 5
   Joel Says:
   February 1st, 2008 at 9:38 pm

   The Sikh sound pretty cool… I want to carry a sword and be a Robin Hood type of guy.

6. 6
   God Says:
   February 1st, 2008 at 10:39 pm

   Yeah- You just have to be Kirpan. One of them has a specialty underwear as their signifier and some other funny stuff.

7. 7
   Joel Says:
   February 2nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm

   I have brown streaked underwear as my special religious signifier.

8. 8
   Anindya Chatterjee Says:
   May 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm

   Seems you guys have quite a wrong notion about religions..
   Request you not to deal with such a sensitive subject in such an unprofessional manner.

   Here is an insight of what actually Sikhism is..

   Sikhism , founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century Northern India, is the fifth-largest organised religion in the world.[1] This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the counsel of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root Å›iá¹£ya meaning “disciple” or “learner”, or Å›iká¹£a meaning “instruction.”

   The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in Vāhigurū—represented using the sacred symbol of Ä“k ōaá¹…kār, the Universal God. Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. A key distinctive feature of Sikhism is a non-anthropomorphic concept of God, to the extent that one can interpret God as the Universe itself. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus, or enlightened leaders, as well as the holy scripture entitled the GurÅ« Granth Sāhib, which includes selected works of many devotees from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. The text was decreed by Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, as the final guru of the Khalsa Panth. Sikhism’s traditions and teachings are distinctively associated with the history, society and culture of the Punjab. Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (students or disciples) and number over 23 million across the world. Most Sikhs live in the state of Punjab in India and, prior to the country’s partition, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now known as the Punjab province of Pakistan.

   Additional Info :
   Sikhs have lived in America for over 100 years
   People who wear turbans in the US are Sikhs
   26 million Sikhs worldwide
   Sikhs are living in America since 1897
   Early Sikhs built railroads, and worked in lumber mills and on farms
   83,000 Sikh soldiers died during 2 World wars
   One million Sikhs live in North America, including 15,000 in the Greater Sacramento area
   7 Sikh Temples in Capital area
   First US Sikh Temple in Stockton, 1912

   Hope that satisfies….

   Anindya Chatterjee
   India.

9. 9
   Joel Says:
   May 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 am

   Thank you for the interesting contribution Anindya. I had no idea what Sikh’s believed and now I understand better.

10. 10
    Pete Says:
    October 22nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    You have an interesting website. I found it while doing some research about Christian ethics in America. Anyway some of it was helpful like what the candidates believe. I didn’t like your sarcastic statements about some people of faith, like Huckabee or omney. I believe either of these guys would make an acceptable leader-maybe president. I wouldn’t describe them as wacko or scary.

    Anyway have fun with what you do and let God make a difference in you and others-Pete

11. 11
    justin Says:
    November 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm

    im writing a speech adn this kinda confused me didn’t really help

12. 12
    Jim Says:
    December 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    God is like Santa Claus, or the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny. Yeah, they’re all somehow related to Jesus and all that shiz but didn’t you all stop believing in them at some point. What’s the difference in God. How can you really belive that there is some place we go and chill in the clouds or the “after life”. I just don’t understand how you can be ignorant like a little kid and believe that there is actually some guy or spirit watching you and running your entire life. We’re not video games, there isn’t someone holding a remote on the other end. I just don’t see it.

13. 13
    Kate Says:
    January 1st, 2009 at 8:49 am

    your chart percentage is greater than 100% which is mathamatically impossible…. unless God has changed the laws of mathmatics on this one!!!???

14. 14
    Brian Says:
    January 15th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    I feel sorry for you. Sounds like you have a problem with religion so you are making up “facts”, otherwise known a lies to sell to people. Your Pie chart adds up to more than 100%, you might want to tweak your “facts” to make that work. Scientist are no the only intelligent people and if you did any research you would know that the more they try to disprove a GOD, the more they prove one may exist. This is why, in all of their infinite wisdom, their physics and mathematic breakdown at the point of the Big Bang. They cant explaing this unless there is a god and the is the point in which mathematics and physics were given to us. Also, if you did any real research you would find that most prisoners were without religion prior to incarceration. I SUGGEST ANYONE WANT REAL FACTS SHOULD GO TO REAL WEBSITE. Nice try though and I will pray for you. I would rather believe in a GOD and be wrong than to Not believe in One and be wrong. the consequences are eternal. God Bless and I will Pray for you. Sounds like you desperately need it.

15. 15
    Cameron Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm

    Thank you for finally stating the facts!!! I am an atheist and have been all my life and there is no doubt in my mind that there is a “god”. I do not very often express my opinions with people because I don’t want to be looked at differently from nutcase christians! I don’t express my opinions but I am always preached to from different people that I work with and I am extremely tired of this. Why is it that religious people can go up to anyone and start preaching about the bible and jesus walking and all other nonscense b.s. It is like they assume that everyone has no knowledge like they do. When someone asked me if I have ever read the bible I said no, and I never intend to and their reply was “how sad” Now why is that sad? I have better things to do with my time than read the bible and worry about if I am “sinning” or not. I have more important things to worry about than to waste my life worrying about pointless things like that.

16. 16
    Alex Says:
    June 15th, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    I am writing a speech on religion and I found this very helpful. Thank You!

17. 17
    Kenzie Says:
    September 22nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    i think a lot of you are truly missing out on the wonderful benefits of giving the lord your heart, life,and prayers. While by all means my life is not perfect, i feel complete, because there is nothing in this world that can make you feel as whole as the Lord can. I cherish it everyday, and i can only pray that one day you will be able to feel the way i do. God Bless You.

18. 18
    Jeff Says:
    January 7th, 2010 at 1:18 am

    So heres my whole thing on religion
    Every part of the world has there set of beliefs in what they think is right and almighty. Well in Western part of the world christians think islam and buddism and other religions are wrong and are souly to believe that theres is correct. Where as you put yourselves in other religions shoes and you will than also disbelieve anything else.
    Also how is it fair if you get 2 people who both live fairly good lives and are good people but only one gets to go on to a “better” life just because he or she believes in a certain religion?
    As i digress i have also stumbled upon while observing people that more than half the time people believe in a god that they always put there problems on someone elses shoulders. to me that just sounds like a lil girl because everybody has problems. And people should just learn how to deal with them instead of puttin it upon a fictional character who supposedly does all this good for you but when do you ever see it???
    Theres always going to be good and bad situations and you cant just say the reason why they turned out good is because someone was watching over you. Things happen. its just a matter of how they happen.
    For me, religion is just something that pulls you mentally out of bad situations.

19. 19
    Elizabeth Frasier Says:
    February 8th, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    yall are stupid barack obama already is the president. so stop bitchin’

20. 20
    Randy Wilson Says:
    March 2nd, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    “USA founded as a Christian nation. “Under God” should be kept. Supports faith-based initiatives.”

    “He is retarded, USA was founded as the lone place in the world where religion couldn’t influence gov.” about John McCain.

    Unfortunately few of the founding Fathers wanted government to not be influenced by religion. Infact some even goes as far to say the constitution was made for a christian nation and that alone. Fact is, thier sole goal was to practice this christianity in anyway they wanted…not to be free of religion.

    Fact is, religion does affect government especially in the USA.
    Laws are made according to an ethical and moral code of the individuals creating the law. In the US the strongest influence is indeed christianity and many laws are made according to it.

    Fact is, Religion clashes and causes it chaos.
    Fact is, you can virtually control the government if it accepts any religous view.

    Solution, well there is none. Religions can part thier seperate ways and start thier own country or we can just have no laws and promote anarchy.

    THE WORLD IS CHAOS no matter what you do to influence someone that is an equal opposite to you will counter it.

    Just live life and be happy is the way i go.

21. 21
    satnam Says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    what imbecile, wrote ‘what the hell is sikhism’? That is so inappropriate!

22. 22
    This is wrong Says:
    April 11th, 2010 at 12:58 am

    Islam is now the largest religion…

23. 23
    Kriston Says:
    April 14th, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    You know what I hate… People who believe in God based on the statement, “What if I’m wrong?” Does no one see that you believe in something based on fear? Is that what your ‘god’ wants? I am a turned Christian and if I’ve learned one thing about living a non-religious life, it’s that I have no fear. No fear of being wrong. No fear of being right. I just live my life to the fullest. Stop believing based on fear and get some actually backbone for what you believe in.

24. 24
    Kriston Says:
    April 14th, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    haha oops. *actual not actually. :/fail. hehe