14 Aug 13
2 edits
Originally posted by woodypusherI think I need to point out, that some of the most dishonest people, are atheists posing as Christians, so they would get placed in the wrong category in your study.
http://backyardskeptics.com/wordpress/proof-that-atheists-are-more-moral-than-christians/
This would be especially true in countries/regions where atheism is in the minority or discriminated against in some way.
Far better to qualify you claim as:
People who claim to be atheist, are more moral than people claiming to be Christian.
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14 Aug 13
I'm also not sure that it's in any way relevant.
Those studies I have seen show only very minor differences.
Typically within statistical margins of error, even without any flaws in the study methodology.
Usually the point of them is to counter claims by Christians, or other theists, that atheists
are inherently less moral.
Which those studies handily disprove.
Beyond that they really don't mean a whole lot.
15 Aug 13
Originally posted by wolfgang59Actually I think you will find they almost always phrase it differently, ie they believe religion stops other people from doing immoral acts.
Given that some theists on here have stated that it is their religion that
stops them from doing immoral acts (including killing) I am not surprised.
Evolution has hardwired us to actively try to persuade other people to act morally. Our whole sense of justice, feelings of revenge, legal system etc are all to do with this, and religion is often used for the same purpose.