A new study reveals that, contrary to the claims of the New Atheist crowd, the more educated tend to be more not less religious:
After analyzing data from a large national survey, University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that people actually tend to become more religious - by some definitions, at least - as they further their education.It all falls down to what you consider to be religious, said Schwadel, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. If its simply attending religious services, then no. Highly educated people are not less religious; in fact, theyre more religious.
But if its saying the Bible is the literal word of God and saying that only one religion is the true religion, then they are less religious, he continued.
[ . . . ]
With more years of education, you arent relatively more likely to say, I dont believe in God, he said. But you are relatively more likely to say, I believe in a higher power.
While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.
Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?
Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.
How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.
Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.