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Originally Posted by abaya
Only those of us who can afford it, really. I think one would be surprised at how many atheists (and/or Western-fad "Buddhists") are middle or upper class, well-educated, and have plenty of time for navel-gazing and sitting around thinking deep thoughts all the time. The rest of the world is busy scratching out enough to live day to day, and you sure as hell bet they're believers. It's rational behavior... materials means determine superstructure/belief systems, not the other way around. If you ask me.  |
This can go either way depending on the individual. I would say that material means can determine belief systems for some,while belief systems can determine material realities for others. Take
this study, for example.
In particular, consider the following from it:
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The religious beliefs children learn in their families translate into educational attainment, adult occupations, financial literacy, social connections and other factors that influence adult wealth ownership, [the researcher] said.
Religious teachings of different faiths may influence spending and saving strategies in a variety of ways [...]
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What the study determines is how religion in America acts as education in wealth issues. Also bear in mind that most religions stress a good work ethic and contributing to local communities, which generally helps one's material security.
Something else that confuses the issue is that many atheists I've met are disgruntled working-class people who barely had a high-school education. They didn't believe in God because if there were a God, their life wouldn't suck so much...
On the other hand, there are many mega-wealthy people I read about who are devoutly religious.