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Kripayne - I am speaking on a comparitive percentage basis which is backed
by statistics from the US, Canadian and Irish prison systems.
Atheists supposedly make up 5% of the societal populace but consistently represent only 2% of the combined prison populations in these countries. There are supposedly many other western nations that have similar statistics but I have only seen the numbers from these three countries. There are admittedly a number of outside factors skewing these numbers such as; prisoners attempting to influence parole boards looking for signs of repentence and rehabilitation by professing belief. But despite this problem with accuracy, the numbers serve to at least demonstrate that an over representation does not exist.
posted by
gomedome
on March 16, 2007 at 8:47 PM
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Since
the vast majority of the population believes in a higher power of one sort of another it only makes sense that atheists would be under-represented within the prison populace. Don't quite follow you there. Belief or unbelief is no proof against the basic human desires and stupidity that land one in jail. I have long contended that belief is the most powerful force in an individual's life, however.
posted by
Kripayne
on March 16, 2007 at 8:02 PM
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Tonyzonit - the single biggest point of validation found in Buddhism is the
fact that it is all inclusive.
There is no "convert or be considered an enemy" in Buddhism. Throughout history Buddhist nations and regional enclaves have never declared war on other life guiding philosophies, either in a literal or figurative sense. That in itself denotes a level of maturity far beyond all other ancient philosophies.
posted by
gomedome
on March 15, 2007 at 2:48 PM
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Troosha - you did not understand me correctly - I merely concede the
possibility of superior beings not a supreme being.
While at the same time acknowledging the power over the human mind found in belief. God is and always will remain nothing more than a manmade concept to me but there is no refuting how much influence this concept has over the collective thought processes (for better or worse) of all of mankind thorughout history.
posted by
gomedome
on March 15, 2007 at 2:42 PM
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Belief is certainly a powerful force, whatever it is, whether pertaining to
religion or not. Possibly the prime force behind it all is the desire for self-preservation. That would also explain the desire for fame and success even among atheists - because fame and success is remembered after death. Religion can fulfil this desire by promising eternal life. Buddhism is unusual in that it strives for extinction. It is far more mature in many ways!
posted by
Antonionioni
on March 15, 2007 at 2:23 PM
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gomedome
If I understood correctly you concede to the concept of a supreme being. Semantics, perhaps, but I prefer to think of it as a force versus putting a face or shape to a power greater than human capacity.
posted by
Troosha
on March 15, 2007 at 12:15 PM
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gome, I would like to add that of course my opinions
are influenced by my spiritual beliefs. When I use the term "universe" I am not throwing out the exiting and plausible possibility of superior( or maybe just more evolved)alien intelligence and power, shared by alot of intelligent, imaginative, educated people, in the vast expanse (understatement) of the physical universe. It just happens that I believe the human spirit, and the exercise of its powers, do and always have contained the latent power to explore, populate, and discover and utilize the infinate variety of elements in the universe. The problem is not the spirit, but the mind (aggregately speaking).
posted by
calmcantey75
on March 15, 2007 at 10:51 AM
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cantey_1975 - I agree with that as well
There is no more potent force capable of affecting mankind to the degree that a belief in something can. It can collectively accomplish things far beyond our limited capabilities as humans and influence everything we do. Anything from making simpering, backwards knuckleheads blow themselves up for a place with Allah (not to mention the 72 virgins) . . . to making some of us stick to high fiber diets. The only caveate that I would add is that belief (in anything) is the most potent force in the universe affecting humans currently. Our "universe" is limited to this planet and what little we know of what lies beyond at present, who knows if mind controlling aliens will land on Earth some day or if we will discover a more potent force?
posted by
gomedome
on March 15, 2007 at 10:37 AM
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gome, that and (excuse the deviation from your post topic)
I believe when a human being has made up his/her mind to believe something or believe in something (good or bad), especially with great passion, that is the most powerful force or at the very least has the latent potential to be the most powerful force or power in the literal universe.
posted by
calmcantey75
on March 15, 2007 at 9:44 AM
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cantey_1975 - if that most powerful force in the universe is:
The concept of a supreme being, I have to agree.
There is no other comparable concept that affects the human condition to the same extent.
posted by
gomedome
on March 15, 2007 at 9:23 AM
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"there is not a person on this planet that has not considered, contemplated and concluded their personal position pertaining to belief."
I think that excellent line describes the most powerful force in the universe.
posted by
calmcantey75
on March 15, 2007 at 9:18 AM
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