Changes

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 expected to shink signficantly in terms of its population. According to ''Euronews'': "New research has forecast the European Union's population will plummet by millions more than previously predicted. The United Nations has said the number of people in the bloc will drop to 365 million by 2100, down from 446 million today. But a new study, published in the medical journal The Lancet, predicts it will fall more sharply, to 308 million by the end of the century."<ref>[https://www.euronews.com/2020/07/31/new-study-forecasts-the-eu-s-population-will-plummet-by-millions-more-than-expected New study forecasts the EU's population will plummet by millions more than expected], Euronews, 2020</ref> See: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]

Europe is expected to shrink significantly in terms of its population. According to ''Euronews'': "New research has forecast the European Union's population will plummet by millions more than previously predicted. The United Nations has said the number of people in the bloc will drop to 365 million by 2100, down from 446 million today. But a new study, published in the medical journal The Lancet, predicts it will fall more sharply, to 308 million by the end of the century."<ref>[https://www.euronews.com/2020/07/31/new-study-forecasts-the-eu-s-population-will-plummet-by-millions-more-than-expected New study forecasts the EU's population will plummet by millions more than expected], Euronews, 2020</ref> See: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]

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>

Europe is presently experiencing [[desecularization]] forces through religious immigrants who have higher fertility rates than moderately religious people and the irreligious, who have sub-replacement-level fertility 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> 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>

[[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>

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>

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.

== Growth of Protestantism in Russia ==

== Growth of Protestantism in Russia ==

[[Russia]] is considered to be a part of [[Eurasia]].

[[Russia]] is considered to be a part of [[Eurasia]].

A large number of missionaries operating presently operating in Russia are from [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations.<ref>US State Department Religious Freedom Report on Russia, 2006</ref>

A large number of missionaries presently operating in Russia are from [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations.<ref>US State Department Religious Freedom Report on Russia, 2006</ref>

According to a survey conducted at the end of 2013, 2% of surveyed Russians identify as Protestants or another branch of Christianity.<ref>[http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/126/file/126.pdf 2013 End of the Year Survey - Russia WIN/GIA]</ref>

According to a survey conducted at the end of 2013, 2% of surveyed Russians identify as Protestants or another branch of Christianity.<ref>[http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/126/file/126.pdf 2013 End of the Year Survey - Russia WIN/GIA]</ref>

=== Growth of Islam in Britain ===

=== Growth of Islam in Britain ===

The Times of India reported concerning Britain: ""In 1983, the number of people following Islam stood at 0.6% of the population compared to a little under 5% in 2014".<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Church-of-England-in-decline-Islam-fastest-growing-in-UK-Survey/articleshow/47508471.cms Church of England in decline, Islam fastest growing in UK: Survey]</ref>

The Times of India reported concerning Britain: "" In 1983, the number of people following Islam stood at 0.6% of the population compared to a little under 5% in 2014.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Church-of-England-in-decline-Islam-fastest-growing-in-UK-Survey/articleshow/47508471.cms Church of England in decline, Islam fastest growing in UK: Survey]</ref>

=== Investor's Business Daily on the flood of Muslim immigrants to Europe ===

=== Investor's Business Daily on the flood of Muslim immigrants to Europe ===

Economic and societal instability is positively correlated to greater religiosity.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/does-atheism-thrive-on-economic.html Does atheism thrive on economic prosperity? Does religion prosper when people are desperate and ignorant?]</ref> Presently, via the [[Eurozone Crisis|Eurozone crisis]], Europe is experiencing financial difficulties.  

Economic and societal instability is positively correlated to greater religiosity.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/does-atheism-thrive-on-economic.html Does atheism thrive on economic prosperity? Does religion prosper when people are desperate and ignorant?]</ref> Presently, via the [[Eurozone Crisis|Eurozone crisis]], Europe is experiencing financial difficulties.  

Economic/societal instability in Europe could cause Europe to become more religious.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/12/social-unrest-in-europe-and-its-effect.html Social unrest in Europe altering its religious landscape]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/another-crisis-hitting-atheism.html Another crisis hitting Darwinism, atheism and agnosticism - Eurocrisis is causing secular Europe to have falling fertility rates. Creationism does well in economic hard times]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-literal-reading-of-genesis-account.html Why a literal reading of the Genesis is surging in the world. Why a a literal reading of the Genesis will increase in the Western World]</ref>

Economic/societal instability in Europe could cause Europe to become more religious.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/12/social-unrest-in-europe-and-its-effect.html Social unrest in Europe altering its religious landscape]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/another-crisis-hitting-atheism.html Another crisis hitting Darwinism, atheism and agnosticism - Eurocrisis is causing secular Europe to have falling fertility rates. Creationism does well in economic hard times]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-literal-reading-of-genesis-account.html Why a literal reading of the Genesis is surging in the world. Why a literal reading of the Genesis will increase in the Western World]</ref>

== Secular Europe and morality ==

== Secular Europe and morality ==

''See also:'' [[Britain and morality]]

''See also:'' [[Britain and morality]]

In 2011 and in recent years, there have been number of reports on the decline of morality in [[Britain]].<ref>

In 2011 and in recent years, there have been a number of reports on the decline of morality in [[Britain]].<ref>

*[https://creation.com/britain-needs-god ''Britain needs God'' - Creation Ministries International]

*[https://creation.com/britain-needs-god ''Britain needs God'' - Creation Ministries International]

*[https://creation.com/lying-as-survival-strategy ''Why is England burning? by Creation Ministries International'']

*[https://creation.com/lying-as-survival-strategy ''Why is England burning? by Creation Ministries International'']

France was ranked the 8th most atheistic country in the world in 2005.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> France has the 4th 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>

France was ranked the 8th most atheistic country in the world in 2005.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> France has the 4th 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 2005, the [[Netherlands]] was ranked the 13th most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reports that in 2005 39 - 44%% of the Dutch were [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/[[atheism|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> The Netherlands also has the 11th 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>

In 2005, the [[Netherlands]] was ranked the 13th most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reports that in 2005 39 - 44% of the Dutch were [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/[[atheism|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> The Netherlands also has the 11th 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>

== Right wing politics ascendant in secular Europe and the United States ==

== Right wing politics ascendant in secular Europe and the United States ==

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

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

In June 2014,'' Forbes'' reported that it is undeniable that politically right wing parties are ascendant in Europe.<ref>[https://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>[https://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 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 number of state legislative 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>

== Decline of Europe ==

== Decline of Europe ==

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

<small>(photo obtained from [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stephen_Fry.png Wikimedia Commons], see [https://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>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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 that the [[United Kingdom]] is among the worst in [[Western Europe]] as far as the level of overweight and obese people.<ref>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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:

{{cquote|In high-income countries, excess weight is the third-leading risk factor in death. The importance of addressing this was brought home again last month with the publication of a new study and editorial, also in ''The Lancet''. The work looked at 22 different cancers in Britain and their association with body mass index (B.M.I.), a simple but more effective measure of obesity than weight alone. The conclusions of the study, which involved a whopping 5.24 million people, were both notable and not entirely unexpected: When adjusted for factors like age and smoking, a higher B.M.I. was associated with a large increase in risk of cancers of the uterus, kidney, gallbladder, and liver, and smaller risk increases for at least six other types of cancer.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/03/opinion/mark-bittman-will-china-defeat-obesity.html?_r=0 Will China Defeat Obesity?] By MARK BITTMANSEPT. 2, 2014</ref>}}

{{cquote|In high-income countries, excess weight is the third-leading risk factor in death. The importance of addressing this was brought home again last month with the publication of a new study and editorial, also in ''The Lancet''. The work looked at 22 different cancers in Britain and their association with body mass index (B.M.I.), a simple but more effective measure of obesity than weight alone. The conclusions of the study, which involved a whopping 5.24 million people, were both notable and not entirely unexpected: When adjusted for factors like age and smoking, a higher B.M.I. was associated with a large increase in risk of cancers of the uterus, kidney, gallbladder, and liver, and smaller risk increases for at least six other types of cancer.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/03/opinion/mark-bittman-will-china-defeat-obesity.html?_r=0 Will China Defeat Obesity?] By MARK BITTMANSEPT. 2, 2014</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 4th 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>

== Secular Europe's economic crisis ==

== Secular Europe's economic crisis ==

[[Image:Euro banknotes.png|right|thumb|[[Euro]] banknotes|200px]]

[[Image:Euro banknotes.png|right|thumb|[[Euro]] banknotes|200px]]

The [[Eurozone Crisis|Eurozone crisis]] is an ongoing [[economics|economic]] crisis which has been negatively affecting [[Eurozone]] countries since late 2009. It consists of a sovereign debt crisis, a banking crisis and an economic growth and competitiveness crisis.

The [[Eurozone Crisis|Eurozone crisis]] is an ongoing [[economics|economic]] crisis which has been negatively affecting [[Eurozone]] countries since late 2009. It consists of a sovereign debt crisis, a banking crisis and an economic growth and competitiveness crisis.

See:  

See:  

''See also:'' [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]

''See also:'' [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]

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 effect 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

*[https://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

*[https://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

*[https://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>

*[https://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>

The mentality of many irreligious Europeans is not one of hard work and thrift which typifies the Protestant work ethic. It often more closely resembles the citizens of failed atheistic communist states (see: [[Communism]]).  In addition, many irreligious states (includes various countries in secular Europe) engage in an economic policy of tax, spend and [[sovereign debt]] accumulation (see also: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]).<ref>[http://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.26.3.49 European Sovereign debt crisis] by Philip Lane</ref>

The mentality of many irreligious Europeans is not one of hard work and thrift, which typifies the Protestant work ethic. It often more closely resembles the citizens of failed atheistic communist states (see: [[Communism]]).  In addition, many irreligious states (includes various countries in secular Europe) engage in an economic policy of tax, spend and [[sovereign debt]] accumulation (see also: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]).<ref>[http://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.26.3.49 European Sovereign debt crisis] by Philip Lane</ref>

For more information, please see: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]

For more information, please see: [[Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism|Protestant work ethic and capitalism]]

=== Economic and societal deterioration in secular Europe ===

=== Economic and societal deterioration in secular Europe ===

[[File:Sweden location.png|thumbnail|right|200px|In 2014, Sweden's new Social Democrat prime minister Stefan Loefven said, "Sweden is in a serious situation -- unemployment has become entrenched at high levels, school results have collapsed and the welfare system has major shortcomings".<ref>[http://www.afp.com/en/news/new-feminist-government-green-tinge-sweden New 'feminist' government with a Green tinge in Sweden]</ref>]]

[[File:Sweden location.png|thumbnail|right|200px|In 2014, Sweden's new Social Democrat prime minister Stefan Loefven said, "Sweden is in a serious situation -- unemployment has become entrenched at high levels, school results have collapsed and the welfare system has major shortcomings".<ref>[http://www.afp.com/en/news/new-feminist-government-green-tinge-sweden New 'feminist' government with a Green tinge in Sweden]</ref>]]

As noted above, a countries economic health and educational system has an effect on IQ scores.

As noted above, a country's economic health and educational system have an effect on IQ scores.

On October 3, 2014, ''L’Agence France-Presse'' reported:

On October 3, 2014, ''L’Agence France-Presse'' reported: