Atheism growing in Iran

[Lurker_Ind]

Iran’s secular shift: new survey reveals huge changes in religious beliefs

Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution was a defining event that changed how we think about the relationship between religion and modernity. Ayatollah Khomeini’s mass mobilisation of Islam showed that modernisation by no means implies a linear process of religious decline.

Reliable large-scale data on Iranians’ post-revolutionary religious beliefs, however, has always been lacking. Over the years, research and waves of protests and crackdowns indicated massive disappointment among Iranians with their political system. This steadily turned into a deeply felt disillusionment with institutional religion.

In June 2020, our research institute, the Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in IRAN (GAMAAN), conducted an online survey with the collaboration of Ladan Boroumand, co-founder of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran.

The results verify Iranian society’s unprecedented secularisation.

Reaching Iranians online

Iran’s census claims that 99.5% of the population are Muslim, a figure that hides the state’s active hostility toward irreligiosity, conversion and unrecognised religious minorities.

Iranians live with an ever-present fear of retribution for speaking against the state. In Iran, one cannot simply call people or knock on doors seeking answers to politically sensitive questions. That’s why the anonymity of digital surveys offers an opportunity to capture what Iranians really think about religion.

Since the revolution, literacy rates have risen sharply and the urban population has grown substantially. Levels of internet penetration in Iran are comparable to those in Italy, with around 60 million users and the number grows relentlessly: 70% of adults are members of at least one social media platform.

For our survey on religious belief in Iran, we targeted diverse digital channels after analysing which groups showed lower participation rates in our previous large-scale surveys. The link to the survey was shared by Kurdish, Arab, Sufi and other networks. And our research assistant successfully convinced Shia pro-regime channels to spread it among their followers, too. We reached mass audiences by sharing the survey on Instagram pages and Telegram channels, some of which had a few million followers.

After cleaning our data, we were left with a sample of almost 40,000 Iranians living in Iran. The sample was weighted and balanced to the target population of literate Iranians aged above 19, using five demographic variables and voting behaviour in the 2017 presidential elections.

A secular and diverse Iran

Our results reveal dramatic changes in Iranian religiosity, with an increase in secularisation and a diversity of faiths and beliefs. Compared with Iran’s 99.5% census figure, we found that only 40% identified as Muslim.

In contrast with state propaganda that portrays Iran as a Shia nation, only 32% explicitly identified as such, while 5% said they were Sunni Muslim and 3% Sufi Muslim. Another 9% said they were atheists, along with 7% who prefer the label of spirituality. Among the other selected religions, 8% said they were Zoroastrians – which we interpret as a reflection of Persian nationalism and a desire for an alternative to Islam, rather than strict adherence to the Zoroastrian faith – while 1.5% said they were Christian.



https://theconversation.com/irans-s...eals-huge-changes-in-religious-beliefs-145253


So Islamic Republic of Iran is not really Islamic then. This is stunning news.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Western Iranians are largely secular or atheist. Not a surprise. You can't enforce religion on people, Turkey will be similar demographic

 

[Lurker_Ind]

Western Iranians are largely secular or atheist. Not a surprise. You can't enforce religion on people, Turkey will be similar demographic

This survey is for people of Iran the country. That is why it is shocking. I would not have posted this if the survey was about Western settled Iranians.

 

[Belawal2014]

Well i've seen irreligion among many Canadian-Iranians so it's no surprise.

 

[Lurker_Ind]

Well i've seen irreligion among many Canadian-Iranians so it's no surprise.

Can Iran call itself Islamic republic when less than 40% of the population is non-Islamic? World is changing right in front of our eyes.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

A secular dictatorship led to increase in religiosity

A religious dictatorship has led to increase in atheism.

 

[Lurker_Ind]

A secular dictatorship led to increase in religiosity

A religious dictatorship has led to increase in atheism.

They need democracy. I see bright future for Iran.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

They need democracy. I see bright future for Iran.

Agreed. And if they became a democracy and have sanctions removed, they will be the strongest country in the Middle East.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

A secular dictatorship led to increase in religiosity

A religious dictatorship has led to increase in atheism.

This, really.

 

[Nadeemp]

Iran is a highly educated society. Education level and less religion has a correlation.

 

[miandadrules]

I think rejection of fairy tales and dogma is inevitable with greater access to information. Religion is the most obviously affected because it is the most crude and least intellectually stimulating.

Religions thrived when they maintained centralised control by a select few individuals over the masses by keeping them ignorant, usually by quite brutal means.

The printing press allowed many to read the bible for the first time in a language they understood. Not only that, they finally had access to counter points and other ideas which their overlords had brutally try to suppress.

The enlightenment followed.

I think it’s feasible to think that a similar process might happen as Muslims for the first time read their primary text in a language they understan and are exposed to genuine critiques for the first time.

Pakistan itself has a small but rapidly growing atheist/agnostic movement.

 

[Belawal2014]

I think rejection of fairy tales and dogma is inevitable with greater access to information. Religion is the most obviously affected because it is the most crude and least intellectually stimulating.

Religions thrived when they maintained centralised control by a select few individuals over the masses by keeping them ignorant, usually by quite brutal means.

The printing press allowed many to read the bible for the first time in a language they understood. Not only that, they finally had access to counter points and other ideas which their overlords had brutally try to suppress.

The enlightenment followed.

I think it’s feasible to think that a similar process might happen as Muslims for the first time read their primary text in a language they understan and are exposed to genuine critiques for the first time.

Pakistan itself has a small but rapidly growing atheist/agnostic movement.

The internet will do to Islam what the printing press did to Christianity. If it means a wave of more progressive and liberal Muslims, then I'm all for it.

 

[miandadrules]

The internet will do to Islam what the printing press did to Christianity. If it means a wave of more progressive and liberal Muslims, then I'm all for it.

Just as Muslims are not a monolith it’s affect on Islam will be varied too.

 

[miandadrules]

I also think we are as a species become more aware of the suffering of others far, far away from us.

This movement towards a more compassionate society is hard to reconcile with religious doctrine.

 

[Third_Umpire]

Not just Iran, it’s likely growing everywhere. Knowledge is power.

 

[Technics 1210]

The guy rejects fairy tales but loves talking about them.

Athiests are often confused and undecided; hence most Athiests are actually agnostic - see above.

 

[ElRaja]

there is no extreme, if you remove enforced religion or enforced irreligion you tend to find societies hover around equal amounts of aethiests, spiritualists and religious people.

like everything on a large scale people tend to a normal distribution in everything, religion is no different really.

 

[Saj]

Also helps with Asylum claims in regions such as the UK.

 

[Robert]

Positive news for Iran. Growth of humanism will lead to a gentler and less authoritarian state.

 

[Madplayer]

Humans have an uncanny urge to rebel.

 

[Giannis]

OP came up with a weird conclusion. Iran is officially an Islamic Republic and a plurality of people even in this survey identified as Muslim, also this survey doesn't change the ground realities, unless it has an actual impact on the ground and results in the IR regime collapsing, there's no way to see how tangible this poll is.

 

[Giannis]

Well i've seen irreligion among many Canadian-Iranians so it's no surprise.

yeah most of the ones in America aren't religous at all but then again they're the ones that escaped Iran for political reasons, similar to Cuban exilees in miami.

 

[Belawal2014]

yeah most of the ones in America aren't religous at all but then again they're the ones that escaped Iran for political reasons, similar to Cuban exilees in miami.

Not really, I've interacted with Canadian-born Iranians as well as those pursuing higher studies at a University level. In general however, I do think irreligion is increasing in the Muslim world, of course no one just comes outright and confesses to it out of fear of repercussions.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Islam is now obviously the last bastion of religion, I think that must be why non-Muslims are looking to see a loss of faith in Islamic countries above others. Ironic that religion is gaining hold in the country of origin of OP.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

That is what happens if you force people to believe or live in a certain way. That's the reason our prophet forbade forcing people to become muslim. It's not only counter productive, but also makes them hate the religion as they see perceive it as an enforced cruel movement.

Living in the west I have never met an Irani who practices Islam (only by name). They even have no issues consuming pork.

 

[uberkoen]

This is the best thing that can happen to a country

 

[Madplayer]

This is the best thing that can happen to a country

Why do you think so?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That is what happens if you force people to believe or live in a certain way. That's the reason our prophet forbade forcing people to become muslim. It's not only counter productive, but also makes them hate the religion as they see perceive it as an enforced cruel movement.

Living in the west I have never met an Irani who practices Islam (only by name). They even have no issues consuming pork.

Most Iranians in the west are defectors who left Iran because they weren't religious in the first place, so you wouldn't really expect them to be practising Muslims. I must admit I thought the Islamic revolution would have died a death in Iran by now, their policy of exporting Shia Islam to neighbouring countries has seen them crippled by sanctions.

 

[Technics 1210]

Positive news for Iran. Growth of humanism will lead to a gentler and less authoritarian state.

I suggest you pick up a history book and learn how the West overthrew a democratically elected president in Iran in the 50s. While you are at it have a look at Iranian life before the West intervened.

Teach the UK and USA humanism before pointing fingers.

 

[Madplayer]

Most Iranians in the west are defectors who left Iran because they weren't religious in the first place, so you wouldn't really expect them to be practising Muslims. I must admit I thought the Islamic revolution would have died a death in Iran by now, their policy of exporting Shia Islam to neighbouring countries has seen them crippled by sanctions.

I'm not sure about how popular atheism is in Iran but it does look like quite a lot of people want more freedom in terms of lifestyle. Last time when the football worldcup was taking place, lots of women from Iran travelled to Russia and didnt dress conservatively like they must be used to in Iran. That was just a small glimpse of it. Doesnt necessarily mean that they want to leave Islam though.

 

[uberkoen]

Why do you think so?

Isn't it obvious? Look at the amount of religious violence and discrimination around the world. Muslims can't even live with other muslims because someone is an Ahmedi and someone else is a Shia let alone how minorities are persecuted all over the world due to their religious beliefs.

More atheists means less religious discrimination, less religion related persecutions, less religion related terrorism and less violence.

 

[Technics 1210]

More people have died through Socialism and Atheism (World Wars), more are dying today because of Democracy, Communism, and Liberalism.

People who live in Pakistan and cry religion is evil, put your money where your mouth is and change your name, the Islamic name your were given at birth. Lets see how much conviction you frauds really have.

 

[Star_Coffee]

I'm not sure about how popular atheism is in Iran but it does look like quite a lot of people want more freedom in terms of lifestyle. Last time when the football worldcup was taking place, lots of women from Iran travelled to Russia and didnt dress conservatively like they must be used to in Iran. That was just a small glimpse of it. Doesnt necessarily mean that they want to leave Islam though.

Most of the Iranian, in my experience, every Iranian I've interacted, stop practicing Islam, their response is usually, we aren't in Iran anymore.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Most of the Iranian, in my experience, every Iranian I've interacted, stop practicing Islam, their response is usually, we aren't in Iran anymore.

The Iranian in west are part of the elite class, upper middle class and above.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Isn't it obvious? Look at the amount of religious violence and discrimination around the world. Muslims can't even live with other muslims because someone is an Ahmedi and someone else is a Shia let alone how minorities are persecuted all over the world due to their religious beliefs.

More atheists means less religious discrimination, less religion related persecutions, less religion related terrorism and less violence.

What a joke. Atheist China are treating Uighur Muslims worse than animals. Atheist Stalin and Mao killed tens of millions.

If you are against violence, the biggest killer of humans in the 20th century was Nationalism not religion.

More people have died through Socialism and Atheism (World Wars), more are dying today because of Democracy, Communism, and Liberalism.

People who live in Pakistan and cry religion is evil, put your money where your mouth is and change your name, the Islamic name your were given at birth. Lets see how much conviction you frauds really have.

Exactly. [MENTION=107753]uberkoen[/MENTION] i think you need to read more on the 20th century.

 

[Madplayer]

Isn't it obvious? Look at the amount of religious violence and discrimination around the world. Muslims can't even live with other muslims because someone is an Ahmedi and someone else is a Shia let alone how minorities are persecuted all over the world due to their religious beliefs.

More atheists means less religious discrimination, less religion related persecutions, less religion related terrorism and less violence.

So you are saying if human beings rid themselves of religion, they'll be magically able to get rid of all their inherent vices like temptations and greed which ultimately lead to violence etc? Don't you think one set of problems will be replaced by another like it has been throughout the history of rise and fall of human civilizations?

 

[Madplayer]

Most of the Iranian, in my experience, every Iranian I've interacted, stop practicing Islam, their response is usually, we aren't in Iran anymore.

Yes, even on social media they are quite vocal. I picture the people in a tightly regulated society like sand in a person's fist. The more you clench it, the more it'll try to slip out.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Iran became 100% Muslim, like Europe became 100% Christian. So it will be possible for them like the Europeans to get rid of religion, while preserving their identity.

However for the people who are dreaming about atheism in the subcontinent, even if it happens religion will never go away, as its not a belief system in the region.

In the subcontinent, at least for those who speak Indo-Aryan languages, religion is an Ethnoreligious group. Its a part of the peoples identity.

For Muslims and Hindus, whether they are from Punjab, Uttar Pardesh, Kashmir, their historical narratives, the name they are given, the method in which they are buried, the type of food that they eat, their sources of inspiration are different.

 

[Madplayer]

Iran became 100% Muslim, like Europe became 100% Christian. So it will be possible for them like the Europeans to get rid of religion, while preserving their identity.

However for the people who are dreaming about atheism in the subcontinent, even if it happens religion will never go away, as its not a belief system in the region.

In the subcontinent, at least for those who speak Indo-Aryan languages, religion is an Ethnoreligious group. Its a part of the peoples identity.

For Muslims and Hindus, whether they are from Punjab, Uttar Pardesh, Kashmir, their historical narratives, the name they are given, the method in which they are buried, the type of food that they eat, their sources of inspiration are different.

I would agree to this. India and Pakistan are held together because of religion. Pakistan was born in the name of Islam. On the other hand what exactly holds the various nations of India from North to South together if not a common religion? Heck even Sikhs and Budhists are considered hindus by Indian constitution.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I would agree to this. India and Pakistan are held together because of religion. Pakistan was born in the name of Islam. On the other hand what exactly holds the various nations of India from North to South together if not a common religion? Heck even Sikhs and Budhists are considered hindus by Indian constitution.

Indians tried lots of different systems to unite their disparate people, but in the end they seem to have gone back to religion as their defining value, hence the rise of Hindutva politics and the triumph of BJP.

 

[Madplayer]

Indians tried lots of different systems to unite their disparate people, but in the end they seem to have gone back to religion as their defining value, hence the rise of Hindutva politics and the triumph of BJP.

Not in the end. Hinduism has always acted as a baseline under a facade of secularism. This is the unifying force among Indian nations. What else is common among them? However, it just took one powerful right wing party to emerge and take the facade off. Think about it, this is the first time a right wing party with such a majority of seats has come to power in India in its 70 odd years. 1st time. Do you think they could have radicalized a big population like India's in just 6 years (since they began in 2014)? They just exploited a sentiment that was always there, inherent in the system and the society by revitalizing it into a raging monster.

 

[uberkoen]

So you are saying if human beings rid themselves of religion, they'll be magically able to get rid of all their inherent vices like temptations and greed which ultimately lead to violence etc? Don't you think one set of problems will be replaced by another like it has been throughout the history of rise and fall of human civilizations?

Did I say that? No, I did not. However, one less problem.

 

[Giannis]

Not really, I've interacted with Canadian-born Iranians as well as those pursuing higher studies at a University level. In general however, I do think irreligion is increasing in the Muslim world, of course no one just comes outright and confesses to it out of fear of repercussions.

Are you ex muslim?

 

[Giannis]

Not in the end. Hinduism has always acted as a baseline under a facade of secularism. This is the unifying force among Indian nations. What else is common among them? However, it just took one powerful right wing party to emerge and take the facade off. Think about it, this is the first time a right wing party with such a majority of seats has come to power in India in its 70 odd years. 1st time. Do you think they could have radicalized a big population like India's in just 6 years (since they began in 2014)? They just exploited a sentiment that was always there, inherent in the system and the society by revitalizing it into a raging monster.

Well put.

 

[Belawal2014]

Are you ex muslim?

No, I am however a skeptic.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

After a quick read through the article its quite obvious that this agenda driven survey probably only reached a certain section of the population and hence the results are like this.

 

[Lurker_Ind]

Not in the end. Hinduism has always acted as a baseline under a facade of secularism. This is the unifying force among Indian nations. What else is common among them? However, it just took one powerful right wing party to emerge and take the facade off. Think about it, this is the first time a right wing party with such a majority of seats has come to power in India in its 70 odd years. 1st time. Do you think they could have radicalized a big population like India's in just 6 years (since they began in 2014)? They just exploited a sentiment that was always there, inherent in the system and the society by revitalizing it into a raging monster.

You are right. Kashmir is a prime example. Muslim majority and an active separatist movement.

 

[Lurker_Ind]

After a quick read through the article its quite obvious that this agenda driven survey probably only reached a certain section of the population and hence the results are like this.

Even if there is some 10% error in the poll, the numbers are still astonishing. Iran claims that 99% of its population is Muslim which is just propaganda and to keep its population in control.

Makes you wonder how many atheists are there in the rest of the Islamic world. My guess is it will be same like Europe.

 

[Saeed]

Do they have statistics of Sunni Areas of Iran, especially sistan Baluchistan?

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

I would agree to this. India and Pakistan are held together because of religion. Pakistan was born in the name of Islam. On the other hand what exactly holds the various nations of India from North to South together if not a common religion? Heck even Sikhs and Budhists are considered hindus by Indian constitution.

Pakistan was created on Muslim nationalism not on Islam. Jinnah and the founders of Pakistan were mostly secular. The Mullahs even called Jinnah Kaafir-e-Azam. So why were secular Jinnah and secular Nehru not able to agree on sharing power in a United Secular India? Because Islam and Hindusiim are not only religions in subcontinent.

Even in the same ethnicity Muslims and Hindus are divided because of religion. I will use Uttar Pardesh as an example, since my family came from there during partition.

For Muslims of UP, the Muslim rule was a golden age. They think of the architecture, cuisine, clothing, poetry, music, etc. For Hindus of UP it was a dark age. They think of broken mandirs, jizya, rape.

Muslims of UP prefer Urdu written in Nastaliq. Hindus of UP want Hindi written in Devanagari.

Muslims of UP would rather have Allahabad. Hindus of UP would rather have Prayagraj.

Muslims of UP would rather have Babri Masjid. Hindus of UP would rather have Ram Mandir.

So its not possible for them to share power as equals.

 

[Madplayer]

Did I say that? No, I did not. However, one less problem.

Its just one "problem" replaced by a bigger one. Hopefully it never comes to that.

 

[Madplayer]

Pakistan was created on Muslim nationalism not on Islam. Jinnah and the founders of Pakistan were mostly secular. The Mullahs even called Jinnah Kaafir-e-Azam. So why were secular Jinnah and secular Nehru not able to agree on sharing power in a United Secular India? Because Islam and Hindusiim are not only religions in subcontinent.

Even in the same ethnicity Muslims and Hindus are divided because of religion. I will use Uttar Pardesh as an example, since my family came from there during partition.

For Muslims of UP, the Muslim rule was a golden age. They think of the architecture, cuisine, clothing, poetry, music, etc. For Hindus of UP it was a dark age. They think of broken mandirs, jizya, rape.

Muslims of UP prefer Urdu written in Nastaliq. Hindus of UP want Hindi written in Devanagari.

Muslims of UP would rather have Allahabad. Hindus of UP would rather have Prayagraj.

Muslims of UP would rather have Babri Masjid. Hindus of UP would rather have Ram Mandir.

So its not possible for them to share power as equals.

Yes muslim nationalism is the more apt term but still has to do with the religion in some capacity.

 

[uberkoen]

More people have died through Socialism and Atheism (World Wars), more are dying today because of Democracy, Communism, and Liberalism.

People who live in Pakistan and cry religion is evil, put your money where your mouth is and change your name, the Islamic name your were given at birth. Lets see how much conviction you frauds really have.

What a joke. Atheist China are treating Uighur Muslims worse than animals. Atheist Stalin and Mao killed tens of millions.

If you are against violence, the biggest killer of humans in the 20th century was Nationalism not religion.



Exactly. [MENTION=107753]uberkoen[/MENTION] i think you need to read more on the 20th century.

Maybe I'm writing in a language that you guys don't understand or am somehow failing to get a simple point across. Not once did I mention that this will solve the entire worlds problems. I said it will solve one of the biggest problems.

I don't deny nationalism being the biggest killer of humans in the 20th century nor did I say that it wasn't. However, the second biggest killer is religion and once we get rid of myths and fairy tails at least that problem is resolved.

Also, this whole Islamic name concept is rather stupid. Most of what you refer to as Islamic names are anyway copy pasted from the Torah and the Bible so in fact there are Jewish or Christian names with an Arabic pronunciation. Moreover, a name does not make you a Muslim and the whole concept of changing your name to change your religion is beyond stupid.

Can someone with a western or a hindu name not be Muslim?

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Maybe I'm writing in a language that you guys don't understand or am somehow failing to get a simple point across. Not once did I mention that this will solve the entire worlds problems. I said it will solve one of the biggest problems.

I don't deny nationalism being the biggest killer of humans in the 20th century nor did I say that it wasn't. However, the second biggest killer is religion and once we get rid of myths and fairy tails at least that problem is resolved.

Can you share how you determined that religion is the second biggest killer?

Look at the countries with the most homicides today, and you will one see that they are not Muslim. Two the reason for the killing is mainly because of drugs and gangs. El Salvador and Honduras and Jamaica, make Afghanistan look like Switzerland. Its pretty bad there.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Even if there is some 10% error in the poll, the numbers are still astonishing. Iran claims that 99% of its population is Muslim which is just propaganda and to keep its population in control.

Makes you wonder how many atheists are there in the rest of the Islamic world. My guess is it will be same like Europe.

You may have a point, looking at the survey, it seems that many Iranians are dissatisfied with the Shia school of thought and may have come to the conclusion that the state insistence on pushing sectarian agendas across the Muslim world has only brought discord and poverty to their people.

 

[Technics 1210]

Maybe I'm writing in a language that you guys don't understand or am somehow failing to get a simple point across. Not once did I mention that this will solve the entire worlds problems. I said it will solve one of the biggest problems.

I don't deny nationalism being the biggest killer of humans in the 20th century nor did I say that it wasn't. However, the second biggest killer is religion and once we get rid of myths and fairy tails at least that problem is resolved.

Also, this whole Islamic name concept is rather stupid. Most of what you refer to as Islamic names are anyway copy pasted from the Torah and the Bible so in fact there are Jewish or Christian names with an Arabic pronunciation. Moreover, a name does not make you a Muslim and the whole concept of changing your name to change your religion is beyond stupid.

Can someone with a western or a hindu name not be Muslim?

Thought as much; one massive back-pedal fraud.

 

[uberkoen]

Thought as much; one massive back-pedal fraud.

Might as well accept that I'm right and move on rather than make a fool of yourself over the silly points you made.

 

[Technics 1210]

Any other fake atheist want to claim religion has caused most deaths than any other either ideology known to man?

Athiests want to believe they are the beacon of free thinking but the reality is their ideology is intellectually bankrupt.

 

[miandadrules]

Any other fake atheist want to claim religion has caused most deaths than any other either ideology known to man?

Athiests want to believe they are the beacon of free thinking but the reality is their ideology is intellectually bankrupt.

What is a FAKE ATHEIST anyway? Please elaborate.

I think Championing a belief system that you haven’t even read the primary text in a language one understands is a good candidate for intellectual bankruptcy.

 

[Tubs]

Any other fake atheist want to claim religion has caused most deaths than any other either ideology known to man?

Athiests want to believe they are the beacon of free thinking but the reality is their ideology is intellectually bankrupt.

Atheism isn't an ideology, just as not playing golf isn't a sport. It is simply not believing a god exists. Any intellectually honest atheist is an agnostic atheist, as you can't know for certain that a god doesn't exist, and the lack of evidence of a god means that the burden of proof for the god-claim hasn't been met, so the correct position is to not believe- at least until evidence is provided.

You also made an incorrect statement about agnosticism and atheism. Agnosticism is a claim to knowledge, whereas atheism is a claim of belief (or lack thereof), they are not mutually exclusive.

And let's not talk about intellectual bankruptcy, please. When your central belief is unfalsifiable, you have no leg to stand on. When faith is the only foundation of your believe system, you are simply wasting everyone's time.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Even if there is some 10% error in the poll, the numbers are still astonishing. Iran claims that 99% of its population is Muslim which is just propaganda and to keep its population in control.

Makes you wonder how many atheists are there in the rest of the Islamic world. My guess is it will be same like Europe.

This survey is considerably different to most other surveys carried out in Iran. It's not just iran that claims this - most pollsters estimate 90%+ religiosity and large of numbers praying daily prayers.

These specific pollsters have a flawed methodology. I doubt the heatlands of Iranian Islam are targetted in such a poll

 

[James]

Taken as a percentage of the global population — and despite what we sometimes hear, often in very loud and forceful voices — a strong majority of the world’s citizens are still religious, or spiritual, and/or believe in God(s) or a “higher power” of some kind.

Many more people on top of this have an interest in the origins of the universe that extends beyond science, and identity as some degree of agnostic.

The desire and curiosity to find out where we came from — or the uncertainty about where we came from — or the belief based on faith that we may have come from something magisterial — is something that lies at the core of human identity, and is extremely common. On a purely holistic level, to pursue a religious or spiritual belief system is not at all irrational.

In the context of an earthly population that is fast approaching 8 billion, there are, in actuality, not too many atheists across the world.

I ultimately don’t feel atheism is gaining the wider ground that some atheists truly “believe” that it is.

 

[Madplayer]

What is a FAKE ATHEIST anyway? Please elaborate.

I think Championing a belief system that you haven’t even read the primary text in a language one understands is a good candidate for intellectual bankruptcy.

I am guessing Fake atheist is a person who isn't really an atheist because of his intellect but just because of his bad experiences with religious people. Like if a child is treated harshly by his religious family then he could grow up and drift away from religion just to get back at his family. But he would mask it as some sort of intellectual awakening because telling people that he is just mad at his family would sound petty and revengeful.

 

[Lurker_Ind]

I am guessing Fake atheist is a person who isn't really an atheist because of his intellect but just because of his bad experiences with religious people. Like if a child is treated harshly by his religious family then he could grow up and drift away from religion just to get back at his family. But he would mask it as some sort of intellectual awakening because telling people that he is just mad at his family would sound petty and revengeful.

In that case most religious people are fake too. They are religious and follow it just because his mommy and daddy said so and mask it with spiritual nonsense.

 

[sweep_shot]

I am not sure how accurate the article is. Even if it is growing, Islam is still dominant in Iran.

 

[Madplayer]

In that case most religious people are fake too. They are religious and follow it just because his mommy and daddy said so and mask it with spiritual nonsense.

Your analogy doesnt fit here. A religious person, even if not having full knowledge of the religion, can still believe in the religion. You can call him an ignorant believer not a fake believer. However, a fake atheist is just a disgruntled person who has had a bad experience with religious people at some stage of his life and wants to get back at them. You can call him both an ignorant atheist and a fake atheist because he has used atheism as a tool to get back at people. This is no concrete definition anyway, i was just trying to guess what the poster might have had in mind.

 

[Technics 1210]

Fake atheists - the kind who just have a problem with Islam.

Atheism doesn't teach anything. No morals, no science, no logic - just death.

This is why the ideology of nothingness - Atheism - is on the decline, meanwhile Theism and Agnosticism are on the up worldwide.

 

[Nadeemp]

Atheism and agnosticism are interchangeable. I am agnostic but live my life as an atheist. Having said that if whats u say was true then countries like norway Sweden iceland would be hell homes due to no moral compass as you say and pakistan, saudi etc.... would be the Apple of the eye for the whole world. However the opposite is true.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Humanists are religious atheists...

 

[IMMY69]

Vast majority of Iranian people are liberal and fairly non religious.

It’s the few minority which control the country with an iron fist.

It’s been like this for decades

 

[Tubs]

Fake atheists - the kind who just have a problem with Islam.

Atheism doesn't teach anything. No morals, no science, no logic - just death.

This is why the ideology of nothingness - Atheism - is on the decline, meanwhile Theism and Agnosticism are on the up worldwide.

Lol- 'fake atheist'.

Of course atheism doesn't teach anything- it is literally just not believing in a god. It isn't a belief system, and your constant strawmanning shows how ignorant you are on this subject. And again, agnosticism isn't a claim to belief, it is a claim to knowledge. It is not a belief system either.

I'm not convinced that the world is becoming more religious, but even if that were true, just simply an argumentum ad populum. More people believing a certain thing doesn't make it more likely to be correct.

 

[Nostalgic]

At first glance it looked like it said Athleticism growing in Iran.

 

[The_KING]

Atheism growing in Iran. Time for atheists to do bhangra.

 

[Robert]

I’m atheist about God in the same way as I am atheist about herd of pink unicorns galloping across the frozen ammonia seas of Neptune. No evidence for them, so no belief from me.

Though I do Shamanic practices from time to time. Probably just self-hypnosis.

I also ask the Universe to look after me and my family and friends. I think that has no effect at all. But it makes me feel better.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I’m atheist about God in the same way as I am atheist about herd of pink unicorns galloping across the frozen ammonia seas of Neptune. No evidence for them, so no belief from me.

Though I do Shamanic practices from time to time. Probably just self-hypnosis.

I also ask the Universe to look after me and my family and friends. I think that has no effect at all. But it makes me feel better.

The Universe is also God in the deeper levels of religion so your atheism is surface level only.

 

[Robert]

The Universe is also God in the deeper levels of religion so your atheism is surface level only.

Which ones? That’s not true of Christianity - more like neopaganism.

 

[amax]

Iranian are irrational people from my limited experience with them
they supported theocracy themselves

 

[Nadeemp]

Your analogy doesnt fit here. A religious person, even if not having full knowledge of the religion, can still believe in the religion. You can call him an ignorant believer not a fake believer. However, a fake atheist is just a disgruntled person who has had a bad experience with religious people at some stage of his life and wants to get back at them. You can call him both an ignorant atheist and a fake atheist because he has used atheism as a tool to get back at people. This is no concrete definition anyway, i was just trying to guess what the poster might have had in mind.

That made no sense

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Which ones? That’s not true of Christianity - more like neopaganism.

Buddhism and Islam there is a concept of Oneness, basically meaning we are all linked every piece of the universe is not separate from the other, in Islam Oneness refers to God. Probably similar in Christianity as well. You are asking the universe to be benevolent to your family, a Christian might pray to Lord Jesus or God.

 

[Tubs]

Buddhism and Islam there is a concept of Oneness, basically meaning we are all linked every piece of the universe is not separate from the other, in Islam Oneness refers to God. Probably similar in Christianity as well. You are asking the universe to be benevolent to your family, a Christian might pray to Lord Jesus or God.

I think it's a stretch to say Islam explicitly mentions Oneness. It is clearly said that Allah created the universe and all that was in it. Besides, Robert says he does it as a comforting thing, not as if he believes it will do anything. Doesn't make him any less of an atheist, as he doesn't believe in a god.