Changes

[[File:Europe pol 2004.jpg|thumbnail|right|326px|In 2014, the Pew Research Forum indicated that [[Europe]] will go from 11% of the world's population to 7% of the world's population by 2050.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/10-projections-for-the-global-population-in-2050/ 10 projections for the global population in 2050] By Rakesh Kochhar, Pew Research Forum, February 3, 2014</ref>]]

[[File:Europe pol 2004.jpg|thumbnail|right|326px|In 2014, the Pew Research Forum indicated that [[Europe]] will go from 11% of the world's population to 7% of the world's population by 2050.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/10-projections-for-the-global-population-in-2050/ 10 projections for the global population in 2050] By Rakesh Kochhar, Pew Research Forum, February 3, 2014</ref>]]

From a global perspective, [[Europe]] is more secular/[[Atheism|atheistic]] than the rest of the world although it does have a considerable amount of religious immigrants who have higher birth rates (see: [[Atheist population|Atheist population]] and [[Global atheism]]).  

From a global perspective, [[Europe]] is more secular/[[Atheism|atheistic]] than the rest of the world although it does have a considerable amount of religious immigrants who have higher birth rates (see: [[Atheist population]] and [[Global atheism]]).  

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East Asia (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Asian atheism]] and [[European atheism and 21st century decline]] and [[Western atheism and race]]  

The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East Asia (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Asian atheism]] and [[European atheism and 21st century decline]] and [[Western atheism and race]]  

According to a poll measuring religious identification in the European Union in 2012 by Eurobarometer, 16% identify as non-religious/agnostic and 7% of EU citizens identify as atheists.<ref>[http://lfn.wikia.com/wiki/Cultur_de_Europa Cultur de Europa</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121202023700/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf Discrimination in the EU in 2012]" (PDF), Special Eurobarometer, 383 (European Union: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission European Commission]), p. 233, 2012, archived from [http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf the original] (PDF) on 2012-12-02, retrieved 14 August 2013 The question asked was "Do you consider yourself to be...?" With a card showing: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Other Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist, and Non-believer/Agnostic. Space was given for Other (SPONTANEOUS) and DK. Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu did not reach the 1% threshold.</ref>

According to a poll measuring religious identification in the European Union in 2012 by Eurobarometer, 16% identify as non-religious/agnostic and 7% of EU citizens identify as atheists.<ref>[http://lfn.wikia.com/wiki/Cultur_de_Europa Cultur de Europa]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121202023700/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf Discrimination in the EU in 2012]" (PDF), Special Eurobarometer, 383 (European Union: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission European Commission]), p. 233, 2012, archived from [http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf the original] (PDF) on 2012-12-02, retrieved 14 August 2013 The question asked was "Do you consider yourself to be...?" With a card showing: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Other Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist, and Non-believer/Agnostic. Space was given for Other (SPONTANEOUS) and DK. Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu did not reach the 1% threshold.</ref>

The 2010 eurobarometer poll found that on total average, of the EU27 population, 51% "believe in a God", 26% believe in "some sort of spirit or life force" and 20% had neither of these forms of belief.<ref> "[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, page 204]" (PDF). Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>

The 2010 eurobarometer poll found that on total average, of the EU27 population, 51% "believe in a God", 26% believe in "some sort of spirit or life force" and 20% had neither of these forms of belief.<ref>"[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, page 204]" (PDF). Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>

Europe is presently experiencing [[desecularization]] forces through: religious immigrants who have higher fertility rates than moderately relgious and the sub-replacement level of fertility of the irreligious in many European countries. This trend is expected to continue and the secular population is projected to plateau by 2050, or as early as 2021 (see also: [[Growth of global desecularization]]).<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf ''Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century'' by Eric Kaufmann]</ref>

Europe is presently experiencing [[desecularization]] forces through: religious immigrants who have higher fertility rates than moderately religious and the sub-replacement level of fertility of the irreligious in many European countries. This trend is expected to continue and the secular population is projected to plateau by 2050, or as early as 2021 (see also: [[Growth of global desecularization]]).<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf ''Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century'' by Eric Kaufmann]</ref>

[[Eric Kaufmann]] is a professor of politics at Birkbeck, University of London and author. His academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, indicates, "Committed religious populations are growing in the West, and will reverse the march of secularism before 2050."<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Early paper - Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref>  Kaufmann also declared "Religious [[fundamentalism]] is going to be on the increase in the future and not just out there in the developing world..., but in the developed world as well."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vCDeKPRSo Eric Kaufmann - Religion, Demography and Politics in the 21st Century]</ref>  

[[Eric Kaufmann]] is a professor of politics at Birkbeck, University of London and author. His academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, indicates, "Committed religious populations are growing in the West, and will reverse the march of secularism before 2050."<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Early paper - Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref>  Kaufmann also declared "Religious [[fundamentalism]] is going to be on the increase in the future and not just out there in the developing world..., but in the developed world as well."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vCDeKPRSo Eric Kaufmann - Religion, Demography and Politics in the 21st Century]</ref>  

[[Jürgen Habermas]] is a prominent German sociologist and philosopher.  Habermas describes himself as a "a methodical atheist". <ref>[http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/20037?eng=y The Church Is Under Siege. But Habermas, the Atheist, Is Coming to its Defense]</ref>  

[[Jürgen Habermas]] is a prominent German sociologist and philosopher.  Habermas describes himself as a "a methodical atheist".<ref>[http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/20037?eng=y The Church Is Under Siege. But Habermas, the Atheist, Is Coming to its Defense]</ref>  

In a 2006 essay, Habermas wrote: “secular citizens in Europe must learn to live, the sooner the better, in a post-secular society and in so doing they will be following the example of religious citizens, who have already come to terms with the ethical expectations of democratic citizenship. So far secular citizens have not been expected to make a similar effort.”<ref>[http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1633:jurgen-habermas-on-the-vision-of-a-post-secular-europe&Itemid=569 Jurgen Habermas on the Vision of a Post-Secular Europe], Modern Diplomacy</ref>

In a 2006 essay, Habermas wrote: “secular citizens in Europe must learn to live, the sooner the better, in a post-secular society and in so doing they will be following the example of religious citizens, who have already come to terms with the ethical expectations of democratic citizenship. So far secular citizens have not been expected to make a similar effort.”<ref>[http://moderndiplomacy.eu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1633:jurgen-habermas-on-the-vision-of-a-post-secular-europe&Itemid=569 Jurgen Habermas on the Vision of a Post-Secular Europe], Modern Diplomacy</ref>

== Growth of British evangelical Christianity ==

== Growth of British evangelical Christianity ==

[[File:Union jack.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Some 4.5million of the [[UK]]'s foreign-born population claim to have a religious affiliation and more than half are Christian.  

[[File:Union jack.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Some 4.5million of the [[UK]]'s foreign-born population claim to have a religious affiliation and more than half are Christian.  

 

 

 

Church attendance in Greater London grew by 16% between 2005 and 2012.<ref>[http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2013/london-churchgoing-and-other-news/ London Churchgoing and Other News]</ref> In addition, the latest immigrants to the UK as a whole mean British Christianity is becoming more charismatic and fundamentalist.<ref>[http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/edwest/100019857/im-not-surprised-evangelical-christianity-is-on-the-rise/ I'm not surprised Evangelical Christianity is on the rise] by Ed West, ''The Telegraph'', December 14th, 2009</ref>]]

Church attendance in Greater London grew by 16% between 2005 and 2012.<ref>[http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2013/london-churchgoing-and-other-news/ London Churchgoing and Other News]</ref> In addition, the latest immigrants to the UK as a whole mean British Christianity is becoming more charismatic and fundamentalist.<ref>[http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/edwest/100019857/im-not-surprised-evangelical-christianity-is-on-the-rise/ I'm not surprised Evangelical Christianity is on the rise] by Ed West, ''The Telegraph'', December 14th, 2009</ref>]]

Due to religious immigrants, many of whom are [[evangelicalism|evangelical Christians]], church attendance in Greater [[London]] grew by 16% between 2005 and 2012.<ref>[http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2013/london-churchgoing-and-other-news/ London Churchgoing and Other News]</ref>  In 2013, it was reported that 52% of people who attended church in London attended evangelical churches.<ref>[http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2013/london-churchgoing-and-other-news/ London Churchgoing and Other News]</ref>   

Due to religious immigrants, many of whom are [[evangelicalism|evangelical Christians]], church attendance in Greater [[London]] grew by 16% between 2005 and 2012.<ref>[http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2013/london-churchgoing-and-other-news/ London Churchgoing and Other News]</ref>  In 2013, it was reported that 52% of people who attended church in London attended evangelical churches.<ref>[http://www.brin.ac.uk/news/2013/london-churchgoing-and-other-news/ London Churchgoing and Other News]</ref>   

On December 14th, 2009, the British newspaper ''The Telegraph'' reported:

On December 14, 2009, the British newspaper ''The Telegraph'' reported:

{{cquote|According to the Mail Evangelical Christianity is on the rise.

{{cquote|According to the Mail Evangelical Christianity is on the rise.

== Sociologist Peter Berger on Pentecostalism and Europe ==

== Sociologist Peter Berger on Pentecostalism and Europe ==

The American [[sociology|sociologist]] and author [[Peter L. Berger]] introduced the concept of [[desecularization]] in 1999.<ref>[http://intl-jcs.oxfordjournals.org/content/52/2/232.full#fn-2 ''Journal of Church and State'', Desecularization: A Conceptual Framework by Vyacheslav Karpov, 2010]</ref><ref>Peter L. Berger, “The Desecularization of the World: A Global Overview,” in The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics, ed. Peter L. Berger (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999)</ref> In contrast to many other forms of Christianity, charasmatic/[[pentecostalism|Pentecostal Christianity]] is very evangelical.  According to Berger, "One can say with some confidence that modern Pentecostalism must be the fastest growing religion in human history."<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2010/07/29/pentecostalism-protestant-ethic-or-cargo-cult/ Pentecostalism – Protestant Ethic or Cargo Cult?, Peter Berger, July 29, 2010</ref>

The American [[sociology|sociologist]] and author [[Peter L. Berger]] introduced the concept of [[desecularization]] in 1999.<ref>[http://intl-jcs.oxfordjournals.org/content/52/2/232.full#fn-2 ''Journal of Church and State'', Desecularization: A Conceptual Framework by Vyacheslav Karpov, 2010]</ref><ref>Peter L. Berger, “The Desecularization of the World: A Global Overview,” in The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics, ed. Peter L. Berger (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999)</ref> In contrast to many other forms of Christianity, charismatic/[[pentecostalism|Pentecostal Christianity]] is very evangelical.  According to Berger, "One can say with some confidence that modern Pentecostalism must be the fastest growing religion in human history."<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2010/07/29/pentecostalism-protestant-ethic-or-cargo-cult/ Pentecostalism – Protestant Ethic or Cargo Cult?, Peter Berger, July 29, 2010]</ref>

Berger recently said that he previously thought that pentecostalism did not have a significant future in Europe, but he recently saw signs that it could see significant growth in Europe.<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2013/12/18/pentecostalism-invades-lambeth-palace/ Pentecostalism Invades Lambeth Palace] by Peter Berger, December 18, 2013</ref> In addition, pentecostalism often grows fast in areas undergoing economic distress.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/rise-of-biblical-creationism-in-mexico.html The rise of biblical creationism in Mexico and its effect on American creationism]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/05/economics-and-darwinismatheism.html Economics and Darwinism/atheism]</ref> Post 2007 there are concerns that Western economies which have high sovereign debt loads could see some significant economic turmoil in coming years - especially the European countries with aging populations that have been struggling in terms of economic growth.

Berger recently said that he previously thought that pentecostalism did not have a significant future in Europe, but he recently saw signs that it could see significant growth in Europe.<ref>[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2013/12/18/pentecostalism-invades-lambeth-palace/ Pentecostalism Invades Lambeth Palace] by Peter Berger, December 18, 2013</ref> In addition, pentecostalism often grows fast in areas undergoing economic distress.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/rise-of-biblical-creationism-in-mexico.html The rise of biblical creationism in Mexico and its effect on American creationism]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/05/economics-and-darwinismatheism.html Economics and Darwinism/atheism]</ref> Post 2007 there are concerns that Western economies which have high sovereign debt loads could see some significant economic turmoil in coming years - especially the European countries with aging populations that have been struggling in terms of economic growth.

{{cquote| In recent decades, the Muslim share of the population throughout Europe grew about 1 percentage point a decade, from 4% in 1990 to 6% in 2010. This pattern is expected to continue through 2030, when Muslims are projected to make up 8% of Europe’s population.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/ 5 facts about the Muslim population in Europe] by Conrad Hackett, Pew Forum, November 17, 2015</ref>}}

{{cquote| In recent decades, the Muslim share of the population throughout Europe grew about 1 percentage point a decade, from 4% in 1990 to 6% in 2010. This pattern is expected to continue through 2030, when Muslims are projected to make up 8% of Europe’s population.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/ 5 facts about the Muslim population in Europe] by Conrad Hackett, Pew Forum, November 17, 2015</ref>}}

In April of 2010, Eric Kaufmann indicated concerning the future of Islam in Europe:

In April 2010, Eric Kaufmann indicated concerning the future of Islam in Europe:

{{cquote|I address this in some detail in the book, as well is in a [http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/features/europes-muslim-future recent article in the April issue of Prospect magazine] here in Britain. The short answer is that I don’t foresee a Muslim-majority Europe in this century or in the next. Why? Mainly because [[Islam|Muslim]] birthrates are plunging both in Europe and the Muslim world. Already, Iran, Tunisia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and several other Muslim countries have replacement-level fertility or below. In the UK, Bangladeshi and Pakistani fertility has halved in a generation and is now under 3 children per woman. This means their long-term growth will begin to tail off. The other part of the equation is the rise of non-Muslim immigrant groups (African and West Indian Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and other Eastern faiths) who are also increasing and therefore making Europe more plural and, in the process, rendering it harder for Muslims to increase their share of the population.

{{cquote|I address this in some detail in the book, as well is in a [http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/features/europes-muslim-future recent article in the April issue of Prospect magazine] here in Britain. The short answer is that I don’t foresee a Muslim-majority Europe in this century or in the next. Why? Mainly because [[Islam|Muslim]] birthrates are plunging both in Europe and the Muslim world. Already, Iran, Tunisia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and several other Muslim countries have replacement-level fertility or below. In the UK, Bangladeshi and Pakistani fertility has halved in a generation and is now under 3 children per woman. This means their long-term growth will begin to tail off. The other part of the equation is the rise of non-Muslim immigrant groups (African and West Indian Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and other Eastern faiths) who are also increasing and therefore making Europe more plural and, in the process, rendering it harder for Muslims to increase their share of the population.

That said, Muslim membership retention and in-group marriage is exceptionally high (over 90 per cent) and they are a much younger population than the host society. So they are on course for steady growth. My colleagues and I expect their fertility to fall to host levels by 2030, but they will still make up 5-15 per cent of most West European countries by 2050 and 10-25 per cent by 2100. This is a major change from the 2-6 per cent levels of today<ref>[http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/shall_the_religious_inherit_the_earth/#sthash.nE0JGi2Y.dpuf ''Shall the religious inherit the earth?''], 2010 Interview with [[Eric Kaufmann] by MercatorNet</ref>}}

That said, Muslim membership retention and in-group marriage is exceptionally high (over 90 per cent) and they are a much younger population than the host society. So they are on course for steady growth. My colleagues and I expect their fertility to fall to host levels by 2030, but they will still make up 5-15 per cent of most West European countries by 2050 and 10-25 per cent by 2100. This is a major change from the 2-6 per cent levels of today<ref>[http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/shall_the_religious_inherit_the_earth/#sthash.nE0JGi2Y.dpuf ''Shall the religious inherit the earth?''], 2010 Interview with [[Eric Kaufmann]] by MercatorNet</ref>}}

=== Growth of Islam in Britain ===

=== Growth of Islam in Britain ===

In 2005, the Pew Forum reported:

In 2005, the Pew Forum reported:

{{cquote|According to a 2002 Pew Global Attitudes survey, there are striking differences in public opinion between the U.S. and [[Europe|European]] countries on issues such as the importance people attach to religion in their lives and the linkage they perceive between belief in God and morality. The survey shows that a large majority of Americans consider religion important in their personal lives and closely associate religion and morality. Furthermore, Pew Forum surveys over several years show that Americans are generally more comfortable with religion playing a major role in public life. In contrast, Europeans generally place much less importance on religion in their lives...<ref>[http://pewforum.org/Politics-and-Elections/Secular-Europe-and-Religious-America-Implications-for-Transatlantic-Relations.aspx Secular Europe and Religious America: Implications for Transatlantic Relations]</ref>}}

{{cquote|According to a 2002 Pew Global Attitudes survey, there are striking differences in public opinion between the U.S. and [[Europe]]an countries on issues such as the importance people attach to religion in their lives and the linkage they perceive between belief in God and morality. The survey shows that a large majority of Americans consider religion important in their personal lives and closely associate religion and morality. Furthermore, Pew Forum surveys over several years show that Americans are generally more comfortable with religion playing a major role in public life. In contrast, Europeans generally place much less importance on religion in their lives...<ref>[http://pewforum.org/Politics-and-Elections/Secular-Europe-and-Religious-America-Implications-for-Transatlantic-Relations.aspx Secular Europe and Religious America: Implications for Transatlantic Relations]</ref>}}

For more information, please see:  

For more information, please see:  

''See also:'' [[Secular Europe and domestic violence]]

''See also:'' [[Secular Europe and domestic violence]]

In March of 2014, the [[Sweden|Swedish]] news website ''The Local'' published an article entitled ''Sweden stands out in domestic violence study'' which declared:  

In March 2014, the [[Sweden|Swedish]] news website ''The Local'' published an article entitled ''Sweden stands out in domestic violence study'' which declared:  

{{cquote|A new EU review of violence against women has revealed that one in three [[Europe]]an women has been assaulted, and one in twenty has been raped, with the Scandinavian countries at the top of the league tables.

{{cquote|A new EU review of violence against women has revealed that one in three [[Europe]]an women has been assaulted, and one in twenty has been raped, with the Scandinavian countries at the top of the league tables.

''See also:'' [[Decline of the secular left]]

''See also:'' [[Decline of the secular left]]

In June of 2014,'' Forbes'' reported that it is undeniable that politically right wing parties are ascendant in Europe.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/sites/stratfor/2014/06/04/europes-deep-right-wing-logic/ Europe's Deep Right-Wing Logic] By Robert D. Kaplan</ref>  

In June 2014,'' Forbes'' reported that it is undeniable that politically right wing parties are ascendant in Europe.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/sites/stratfor/2014/06/04/europes-deep-right-wing-logic/ Europe's Deep Right-Wing Logic] By Robert D. Kaplan</ref>  

In November of 2016, the politically left [[Obama administration|Barack Obama administration]] and [[Democratic Party]] received a huge loss in midterm elections by losing control of the United States Senate and losing a historic amount of state legislature elections.<ref>[Republicans now have historic majorities in state legislatures. That's a really big deal. Republicans now have historic majorities in state legislatures. That's a really big deal], November 6, 2014</ref>

In November 2016, the politically left [[Obama administration|Barack Obama administration]] and [[Democratic Party]] received a huge loss in midterm elections by losing control of the United States Senate and losing a historic amount of state legislature elections.<ref>[Republicans now have historic majorities in state legislatures. That's a really big deal. Republicans now have historic majorities in state legislatures. That's a really big deal], November 6, 2014</ref>

== Secular Europe and obesity ==

== Secular Europe and obesity ==

See also: [[Secular Europe and obesity]]

{{See also|Secular Europe and obesity}}

[[File:UK location.png|right|thumbnail|200px|In May of 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the [[Britain|British]] medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in [[Western Europe]].<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> ]]

[[File:UK location.png|right|thumbnail|200px|In May 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the [[Britain|British]] medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in [[Western Europe]].<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> ]]

As noted above, from a global perspective, [[Europe]] is more secular than the rest of the world although it does have a considerable amount of religious immigrants who have higher birth rates (see: [[Atheist population|Atheist population]] and [[Global atheism]]).

As noted above, from a global perspective, [[Europe]] is more secular than the rest of the world although it does have a considerable amount of religious immigrants who have higher birth rates (see: [[Atheist population]] and [[Global atheism]]).

=== Studies on religion and self-control ===

=== Studies on religion and self-control ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Atheism and gluttony]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Atheism and gluttony]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]]

In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on [[self-control]]/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>[http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract ''Religion Replenishes Self-Control'', ''Psychological Science'', June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php Study finds religion helps us gain self-control]</ref> Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10868765 Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. McCullough ME, Hoyt WT, Larson DB, Koenig HG, Thoresen C., Health Psychol. 2000 May;19(3):211-22.]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/ ''The role of spirituality in health care'', roc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2001 October; 14(4): 352–357.]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and hedonism]]

In the journal article ''Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications'', psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on [[self-control]]/self-regulation.<ref>[http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications]</ref> Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in ''Psychological Science'' found that religion replenishes self-control.<ref>[http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/05/02/0956797611431987.abstract ''Religion Replenishes Self-Control'', ''Psychological Science'', June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University]</ref><ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/qu-qsf012412.php Study finds religion helps us gain self-control]</ref> Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10868765 Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. McCullough ME, Hoyt WT, Larson DB, Koenig HG, Thoresen C., Health Psychol. 2000 May;19(3):211-22.]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/ ''The role of spirituality in health care'', roc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2001 October; 14(4): 352–357.]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and hedonism]]

=== Obesity rate in secular Europe ===

=== Obesity rate in secular Europe ===

[[File:Stephen-Fry.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|[[Stephen Fry]] is a British [[atheism|atheist]] and [[homosexual]].

[[File:Stephen-Fry.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|[[Stephen Fry]] is a British [[atheism|atheist]] and [[homosexual]].

 

<small>(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stephen_Fry.png Wikimedia Commons], see [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stephen_Fry.png  license agreement])</small> ]]

<small>(photo obtained from [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stephen_Fry.png Wikimedia Commons], see [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stephen_Fry.png  license agreement])</small> ]]

On May 28, 2014, ''The Guardian'' reported on that the [[United Kingdom]] is among worst in [[Western Europe]] as far as the level of overweight and obese people.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/29/uk-western-europe-obesity-study UK among worst in western Europe for level of overweight and obese people], The Guardian, Sarah Boseley, Wednesday 28 May 2014</ref> In 2014, in the UK, 67% of men and 57% of women were either overweight or obese.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/29/uk-western-europe-obesity-study UK among worst in western Europe for level of overweight and obese people], The Guardian, Sarah Boseley, Wednesday 28 May 2014</ref>  In May of 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the British medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in Western Europe.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref>  In Britain, 29.2% of girls under the age of 20 are classed as excessively heavy with just over 8% meeting the clinical definition of obesity.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref>  

On May 28, 2014, ''The Guardian'' reported on that the [[United Kingdom]] is among worst in [[Western Europe]] as far as the level of overweight and obese people.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/29/uk-western-europe-obesity-study UK among worst in western Europe for level of overweight and obese people], The Guardian, Sarah Boseley, Wednesday 28 May 2014</ref> In 2014, in the UK, 67% of men and 57% of women were either overweight or obese.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/29/uk-western-europe-obesity-study UK among worst in western Europe for level of overweight and obese people], The Guardian, Sarah Boseley, Wednesday 28 May 2014</ref>  In May 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the British medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in Western Europe.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref>  In Britain, 29.2% of girls under the age of 20 are classed as excessively heavy with just over 8% meeting the clinical definition of obesity.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref>  

On September 2, 2014, the'' New York Times'' wrote concerning Britain:

On September 2, 2014, the'' New York Times'' wrote concerning Britain:

In [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]], [[Great Britain]] and [[Australia]] phenotypic intelligence has stabilized and now is declining.<ref>[http://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref>}}

In [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]], [[Great Britain]] and [[Australia]] phenotypic intelligence has stabilized and now is declining.<ref>[http://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref>}}

[[File:United kingdom rel87.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|In godless [[Great Britain]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref>[http://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta], May 14, 2012</ref> ]]

[[File:United kingdom rel87.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|In godless]]Great Britain]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref>[http://www.academia.edu/1203173/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_the_World_1_ ''The Rise and Fall of the World's IQ''] by Thomas Hally</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta]], May 14, 2012</ref> ]]

In 2012, it was reported that Norway was the eighth most godless country on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta], May 14, 2012</ref>

In 2012, it was reported that Norway was the eighth most godless country on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta]], May 14, 2012</ref>

Sweden is one of the most [[atheism|atheistic]] countries in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 46 - 85% of Swedes were agnostics/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In 2012, it was reported to be the 4rth most godless place on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta], May 14, 2012</ref>  Sweden also has the 3rd highest rate of belief in evolution as far as [[Western World]] nations.<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds]</ref> See also: [[Sexual immorality and Sweden]]

Sweden is one of the most [[atheism|atheistic]] countries in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 46 - 85% of Swedes were agnostics/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In 2012, it was reported to be the 4rth most godless place on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta]], May 14, 2012</ref>  Sweden also has the 3rd highest rate of belief in evolution as far as [[Western World]] nations.<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds]</ref> See also: [[Sexual immorality and Sweden]]

Denmark has the highest rate of belief in evolution in the [[Western World]].<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds]</ref> In addition, in 2005 [[Denmark]] was ranked the third most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 43 - 80% of Danes are [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref>

Denmark has the highest rate of belief in evolution in the [[Western World]].<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/21329204.html Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds]</ref> In addition, in 2005 [[Denmark]] was ranked the third most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 43 - 80% of Danes are [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref>

According to Rabbi [[Shmuley Boteach]] and an article on Belief.net, Britain (which was the fountainhead of Darwinism) has become one of the most godless places on earth.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/watchwomanonthewall/2011/07/has-godlessness-truly-%E2%80%98doomed%E2%80%99-great-britain.html HAS GODLESSNESS TRULY ‘DOOMED’ GREAT BRITAIN?]

According to Rabbi [[Shmuley Boteach]] and an article on Belief.net, Britain (which was the fountainhead of Darwinism) has become one of the most godless places on earth.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/watchwomanonthewall/2011/07/has-godlessness-truly-%E2%80%98doomed%E2%80%99-great-britain.html HAS GODLESSNESS TRULY ‘DOOMED’ GREAT BRITAIN?]

by Hallowell”Billy Hallowell</ref> In 2012, Great Britain was reported to be the sixth most godless country on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta], May 14, 2012</ref>  

by Hallowell”Billy Hallowell</ref> In 2012, Great Britain was reported to be the sixth most godless country on earth.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/05/14/whats-the-most-godless-place-on-earth/ What’s the Most Godless Place on Earth?] by [[Hemant Mehta]], May 14, 2012</ref>  

Post World War II, Australia has become a highly secularized country.<ref>Buttrose, Larry. [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/sport-grog-and-godliness/story-e6frg6zo-1225769660554 Buttrose, Larry. Sport, grog and godliness, The Australian. Retrieved on 11 September 2009</ref>

Post World War II, Australia has become a highly secularized country.<ref>Buttrose, Larry. [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/sport-grog-and-godliness/story-e6frg6zo-1225769660554 Buttrose, Larry. Sport, grog and godliness, The Australian. Retrieved on 11 September 2009]</ref>

=== Atheism, obesity, secular Europe and falling rates of intelligence ===

=== Atheism, obesity, secular Europe and falling rates of intelligence ===

''See also:'' [[Atheism, intelligence and obesity]] and [[Atheism, obesity, secular countries and falling rates of intelligence]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism, intelligence and obesity]] and [[Atheism, obesity, secular countries and falling rates of intelligence]]

As noted above, obesity is a significant problem in many atheistic/irreligious countries such as the countries in [[secular Europe]] (see: [[Secular Europe and obesity]] and [[China and obesity]]).   

As noted above, obesity is a significant problem in many atheistic/irreligious countries such as the countries in secular Europe (see: [[Secular Europe and obesity]] and [[China and obesity]]).   

According to the [[World Health Organization]]:

According to the [[World Health Organization]]:

Developed countries with greater wealth, better educational systems and nutrition often have a cultural heritage of [[Christianity]] and often have significant Christian populations within them.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/ Global Christianity – A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population], Pew Forum, December 10, 2011</ref><ref>[https://www.cai.org/bible-studies/these-were-christian-nations These Were Christian Nations]</ref> In terms of economic development, biblical Christianity has historically had a positive affect on countries.<ref>

Developed countries with greater wealth, better educational systems and nutrition often have a cultural heritage of [[Christianity]] and often have significant Christian populations within them.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/ Global Christianity – A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population], Pew Forum, December 10, 2011</ref><ref>[https://www.cai.org/bible-studies/these-were-christian-nations These Were Christian Nations]</ref> In terms of economic development, biblical Christianity has historically had a positive affect on countries.<ref>

*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012

*[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012

*[http://creation.com/christianity-as-progress  ''Christianity as progress: A review of The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success by Rodney Stark

*[http://creation.com/christianity-as-progress  ''Christianity as progress: A review of The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success by Rodney Stark Random House, New York, 2005''] by Lael Weinberger

Random House, New York, 2005''] by Lael Weinberger

*[http://creation.com/the-biblical-origins-of-science-review-of-stark-for-the-glory-of-god  The biblical origins of science: A review of For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery by Rodney Stark] by Alex Williams</ref>  [[Harvard University]] historian Niall Ferguson declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history." (See: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]).<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref>

*[http://creation.com/the-biblical-origins-of-science-review-of-stark-for-the-glory-of-god  The biblical origins of science: A review of For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery by Rodney Stark] by Alex Williams</ref>  [[Harvard University]] historian Niall Ferguson declared: "Through a mixture of hard work and thrift the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] societies of the North and West Atlantic achieved the most rapid economic growth in history." (See: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]).<ref>[http://blog.tifwe.org/the-protestant-work-ethic-alive-well-in-china/ The Protestant Work Ethic: Alive & Well…In China] By Hugh Whelchel on September 24, 2012</ref>