Religion and Pseudoscience

In "Look Who's Irrational Now," WSJ summarizes the results of a comprehensive study conducted by Baylor University (hat tip: ASA). The big surprise: religion and various forms of superstition and pseudoscience are substitutes, not complements. In other words, the data show that those who abandon religious belief are more likely to affirm superstition and pseudoscience than believers. Apparently the facts run contrary to the widely accepted view that religion and acceptance of superstition go hand in hand. But don't expect mere facts to change many opinions.

Comments

[BHodges]

Thanks for the link, I'll check this article out for sure.

[Clark]

Yeah, I'd noticed that article as well. I think one has to be somewhat careful since many atheists don't fall prey to such superstitions. But I think there's good reason to think superstitious thinking is part of the human brain. I think this means though that we ought be cautious such that we don't simply engage in superstitious (i.e. false or ungrounded) thinking about our own religion. And I think many do.

[David J]

In other words, the data show that those who abandon religious belief are more likely to affirm superstition and pseudoscience than believers. Apparently the facts run contrary to the widely accepted view that religion and acceptance of superstition go hand in hand.

Not in my case.

[John Mansfield]

Here's an interesting bit from a recent column by John Derbyshire, a conservative atheist writer:

Possibly this national trait [Chinese affinity for gambling] is related somehow to the fact, which I was told by a social-worker friend, and which the relevant websites seem to confirm, that while most twelve-step addiction cures call on a higher power for assistance, Gamblers Anonymous makes a point of welcoming atheists and agnostics. "Which is what most gambling addicts are," explained my friend. Have not the Chinese been called the world's least religious people, and its most superstitious? That long string of lucky 8s in the date and time of the Olympics opening ceremony … Well, I am only speculating.