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.
Thanks for the link, I'll check this article out for sure.
Posted by: BHodges | Sep 26, 2008 at 12:17 PM
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.
Posted by: Clark | Sep 26, 2008 at 01:17 PM
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.
Posted by: David J | Sep 27, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Here's an interesting bit from a recent column by John Derbyshire, a conservative atheist writer:
Posted by: John Mansfield | Sep 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM