False logic in religious survey
Last night CBS news presented the results of a survey done showing that 84% of adults “claim a religious affiliation”. Beacuse of this, they claim that:
“In the developed world, this is really the most religious country,” said Fr. Thomas Williams, CBS News faith & religion analyst.
Why are they paying this man? Just because 84% of people claim to be of a certain faith, it does not make them “religious”. Merriam Webster defines “religious” as “scrupulously and conscientiously faithful”. I doubt that 84% of this country follows their religion of choice is a “scrupulous” and “conscientiously faithful” way. One would think (or at least hope) that an analyst on faith and religion would understand this fact.
I would argue that many people who claim to be part of a religion would also say that they do not follow it as well as they should. I would also argue that many people who claim to follow their religion in a scrupulous and faithful way are likely to be wrong. And yes, there are probably people who do claim to follow their faith and do so in a manner that is scrupulous and faithful, however to claim that number is anywhere close to 84% would be 100% wrong.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I think he said they were “religious”……not “saintly”.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Yes, he said that the people who identify themselves with a religion are religious. I identify myself with the Jewish religion. I am Jewish. However, I am not religious.
Just because someone identifies themself with a particular religion does not mean they actively participate in or follow the rules of the religion.