Religion and Social Networking

[mckitterick]

Over on Facebook, I got myself involved in a debate on religion. I know, I know; I should know better. But it's fun, y'know? Anyhow, what prompted the debate was this article on the BBC about how relgions go extinct. Good stuff.

Anyhow, it got me thinking about my interactions there and over here, and I'm curious about my friends' religious beliefs. Am I just living in an insulated bubble as described in that article, or are those national polls on religion just manipulated? So, a poll!

Here it is, a Google Docs poll so anyone can use it: Are you religious? What social networking tools do you use?

Thanks!
Chris

Comments

[ms-danson.livejournal.com]

Something about that article strikes me as way too simplistic.

For instance, are they talking about Big-R religion or about individual religious groups? How does the country selection (US is not in that group for example) affect conclusions? The languages example (as they present it) doesn't demonstrate extinction, it demonstrates regionalization.

Also, I question the numbers they inply at least in terms Canada. (StatsCan) The number of non-affiliated is increasing here but non-affiliated, non-practicing, and non-religious are very different concepts... ask the Easter/Christmas Catholics.

Personally I think expecting the demise of Big-R Religion based on the number of asses in pews in secular countries is a bit optimistic. I think the number of asses in pews is a better indicator of the future of particular religious groups than of religion as a whole.

The orignial research might give a better picture.

That said, I'm an Atheist who deconverted from Christianity and who approves of further secularization of her country.

As for your poll... Why did you chose to use only one preferred social media? I use multiple on a regular basis and for different purposes.

Aside... When I left christianity I missed having the social network and social structure that church provided. I found the period of time where I was trying to figure out where I wanted to be very lonely and isolated. I lost a community.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

I hear you, though what I got out of it was that belonging to a larger group aids one's social standing, serving utility in that way. So big-R religions provide greater whuffie to members. If people don't get that, they're more likely to defect.

Oh, and the reason I worded it the way I did was that I'm curious about an observation I made about FBers vs. LJers.

[ms-danson.livejournal.com]

I agree that not getting the benefits will make some people more likely to defect, but what is meant by defecting? Becoming atheists? Switching churches? Not going to church yourself, but sending your kids? Pursuing personal spirituality?

Cool. I hope you will explain your results and observations here.

[piezocuttlefish.livejournal.com]

Wait. I think you may have just called a group of physicist hobbyists doing simulations on a subject way, way out of their area of expertise [reductivist].

Hmm.

Reporting on the findings of a collection of hobbyists does seem a bit sensationalist, no?

[ms-danson.livejournal.com]

I question the conclusions presented based on the data I've seen and the apparent assumptions. I think the whole article is poorly presented and possibly misleading (can't say for sure given the information).

I didn't know that they were physicists/engineers when I read it. The reductivist complaint may indeed apply here.

I agree with you that the title of the article and the way it is presented is a bit sensationalistic.

As for hobbiests in general... amateurs and hobbiests can, and have, contributed greatly to science and should continue to do so. Writing their work off *because* it is amateur or hobbiest work is overkill.

[piezocuttlefish.livejournal.com]

Agree on hobbyists and amateur scientists.