Why do Americans believe in God?

Question

Almost no one in Western Europe or Australia/NZ, or even Canada for that matter, really adheres to Christianity anymore. Some old folks may let slip a strange idea about creation or morality here or there, but very few people are vocal about their views. Most people would be scolded or shunned for expressing Christian beliefs around non-Christians, or for condemning others morally on the basis of the Bible. Politicians never repose on ecclesiastical rhetoric to garner votes or shape policy, and scientific theory isn't hampered by religious considerations. Simply put: In the rest of the Western world, religious beliefs are considered a vice, a guilty, even creepy, obsession of an eccentric few, and something prudence dictates should be kept to oneself. So basically my question is this: Why is the US still so culturally primitive in comparison to its European and Australasian counterparts?

Answer 1

Europeans, especially, are under the smothering blanket of believing what their society tells them to believe. "Most people would be scolded or shunned.."  See, that means a lot to Europeans but it means very little to me as an American.  Why is the idea of reproach from neighbors or even strangers so frightening to Europeans?  They see themselves as morally superior but all they are doing is mimicking what their society tells them to do.  They are so desperate to fit in that they can't think for themselves.

What is frightening to me is the ability of certain strong leaders to change the opinions of society and then everyone just goes along, e.g. n**i Germany.  

Answer 2

I don't think you can call the US primitive for having stronger religious leanings. Neither do I think you can say that believing in God would inhibit scientific progress. Evolutionists have their own beliefs that greatly hinder scientific progress because they are not willing to give up theory in the face of hard scientific evidence.

As for why the rest of the world does not adhere to Christianity anymore as much as the US? Well you said it yourself, people are shunned or punished socially for doing so, so that would naturally decrease the number of people talking about their beliefs or admitting they do believe in God. Over time that would also decrease the percentage of people who actually do believe in God.

In America we have basic freedoms, like the freedom of religion. Everyone here has the right to their own opinion without being ostracized for it. In my way of thinking, shunning, oppressing or ostracizing people for what they believe is very socially primitive. You are moving closer to Hitlers Utopia, just taking a different path in the same direction. Freedom is the only way to social and scientific progression.

No it's not right for Christians to condemn others who don't believe the same way, but it is also not right for others to condemn Christians for what they believe. In so doing, you become your own enemy.

Answer 3

Americans believe is GOD????? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha LOL :P :D Ok that was FUNNY No most american believe more in SANTA more than in God..... Take me as an Example born and raised in the US but I am an ATHEIST and PROUD of it....most people in Urban areas are well...non-religious...So no not ALL Americans believe in god