Data Is Beautiful - Worlds Largest Religious Groups 1945-2019

[Gromit]

I am sure this will spark some debate

[ummmm]

When I fill in forms which ask me which religion I am I always say Catholic when in reality I'm an atheist.

My Muslim friend is also an atheist but refers to himself as a Muslim.

[Gromit]

// forms which ask me which religion I am I always say Catholic //

Why ?

[THECORBYLOON]

We'll need to knock one off for each of them then.

[ummmm]

Habit I think. I just wonder how many others do it.

[spathiphyllum]

"I just wonder how many others do it."

I don't think many o be honest.

[naomi24]

I think a lot of people do it, ummmm.

[pixie374]

Many, many, I think, ummm. I used to, as i have been Christened, until i actually thought about it.
When the census was done (whenever that was...) i remember helping loads of older people to fill them in.
Without fail, they all wanted "Christian" recorded in the religious section, but went on to say that they didn't personally believe in it though.
Of course, I ticked and wrote in whatever they wanted- but was well aware this was giving a really false impression of people's actual beliefs. It is habit.

[ummmm]

I'll make an effort next time.

I think ticking the box is kinda saying what kind of upbringing you 'might' have had. Like going to confess sins you hadn't actually committed and saying 10 hail Mary's for it!!

[Gromit]

Anecdotal, but you seem to be saying that there aren’t 40 million Christians in the UK, but a fraction of that.

Maybe it is time to review the tax exemptions bestowed on christian organisations, and sacking a few bishops in the House of Lords if they are not representing anyone.

[Khandro]

ummmm. Don't you think it is better to be a 'lapsed catholic' than an apostate ?

[pixie374]

What's the difference, khandro? You believe something or you don't...

[Khandro]

gromit; There are the Copts & several other religions missing from the chart. There are about 30 million Coptic Orthodox Christians in the world. Between 23 and 25 million of them are found in Egypt under the jurisdiction of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

[Khandro]

pixie, There's quite a big difference between being lapsed and being in denial.
If you don't see that, I can't help you.

[pixie374]

I don't require your help, thanks, khandro :-). As you can't explain it, I don't think any is being offered lol x

[woofgang]

that thing about people feeling they "should" put something is why I ask the question.

[pixie374]

Personally, I would say you follow a religion, if you believe in it. Whether you actively practise or not. But people do seem to claim a religion depending on background and upbringing too.... which to me is not really valid, if you don't, or no longer, actually believe it.

[naomi24]

Khandro, //There's quite a big difference between being lapsed and being in denial. //

In denial? People who no longer believe aren't in denial. They've thought about and reached the conclusion that they don't believe it.

[Khandro]

n. Perhaps they "think" too much!

[naomi24]

I doubt that, Khandro. Lying to yourself is no recommendation.

[Old_Geezer]

How much do you have to align your beliefs to that of a religion, particularly one you were brought up in, to legitimately claim to still be of that religion ? If you still believe in the basic morality of it I see no reason to claim you are no longer part of it simply because you aren't convinced of some of the myths or suspect some of the ancient interpretations were either off the mark or not translated properly over the years. Surely it's a personal choice whether you consider yourself in as a modern believer or have drifted outside it's scope.