|
Post by spitzig on Jun 10, 2004 1:09:24 GMT -5
Regarding atheists "being adamant", I posit a reason: A much larger number of atheists seem to be converts compared to religions' members. Phrased differently, there seem to be more Christian->atheist than atheist->Christian conversions. Converts are significantly more likely to be particularly adamant about their new belief system, which might affect it. This can be a BAD thing--Torquemada, the head of the Spanish Inquisition was a converted Jew and Stalin was an ex-Catholic.
|
|
|
Post by sushiboat on Jun 10, 2004 22:18:01 GMT -5
There has been a lot of research on attitudes and attitude change. One major finding is that when people come to a conclusion based on a thoughtful examination of the merits of an issue, that conclusion is much firmer than when people come to a conclusion in less thoughtful ways. People who are following tradition and the majority might think about it, but they don't have to. They are less likely to have to explain themselves. People who publicly hold a minority position (like atheism in a religious country) have to be ready to justify it. Even if they aren't open about their minority viewpoint, they will be constantly reminded that most people disagree with them.
|
|