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|226px|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>[https://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]] 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 desecularization in the 21st century]] 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>[https://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 desecularization in the 21st century]] 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 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 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]]

[[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>  

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>

[[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>  

[[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>  

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>

 

 

 

 

According to Gallagher: "Many diplomatic services throughout Europe and elsewhere are now running courses, literally accelerated courses to make up time on religion,” he said, explaining that political leaders are beginning to recognize that “the world is a very religious place."<ref>[https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/religious-freedom-not-secularism-key-to-europes-future-vatican-official-says-56141 Religious freedom, not secularism, key to Europe’s future, Vatican official says], Catholic News Agency, 2017</ref>

== European drop as a percentage of the world's population  ==

== European drop as a percentage of the world's population  ==

''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Atheist marriages]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Atheist marriages]]

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 and that [[Africa]] will go from 15% of the world's population to 25% of the world's population.<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>

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 and that [[Africa]] will go from 15% of the world's population to 25% of the world's population.<ref>[https://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>

Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref>  See also: [[Atheism and sexuality]]

Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref>[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref>  See also: [[Atheism and sexuality]]

As noted above, most European atheists are white.  

As noted above, most European atheists are white.  

In the [[United Kingdom]], by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050],  By James Kirkup, Political Editor, ''The Telegraph,''  May 5, 2014</ref>  ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled ''White Europeans: An endangered species?'' that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>[http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ ''White Europeans: An endangered species?''] By Trevor Wagener, ''Yale Daily News'', February 27, 2008</ref>

In the [[United Kingdom]], by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050],  By James Kirkup, Political Editor, ''The Telegraph,''  May 5, 2014</ref>  ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled ''White Europeans: An endangered species?'' that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>[http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ ''White Europeans: An endangered species?''] By Trevor Wagener, ''Yale Daily News'', February 27, 2008</ref>

=== Future of immigration to Europe uncertain ===

=== Future of immigration to Europe uncertain ===

== Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century ==

== Desecularization of secular Europe in the 21st century ==

''See also:'' [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[Desecularization]]

''See also:'' [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[Religion and migration]] and [[Desecularization]]

[[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] [[Protestantism]] and [[Islam]] are growing in [[Europe]]. Below are some statistics regarding their growth in various European countries plus some projections for the growth of evangelical Protestantism and Islam in Europe in the 21st century by the demography/religious/political scholar [[Eric Kaufmann]].

[[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] [[Protestantism]] and [[Islam]] are growing in [[Europe]]. Below are some statistics regarding their growth in various European countries plus some projections for the growth of evangelical Protestantism and Islam in Europe in the 21st century by the demography/religious/political scholar [[Eric Kaufmann]].

== Future of European desecularization in the 21st century ==

== Future of European desecularization in the 21st century ==

{{cquote|What of European [[Christianity]]? The conventional wisdom holds it to be in free fall, especially in Western [[Europe]]. (Bruce 2002) This is undoubtedly correct for Catholic Europe, while Protestant Europe already has low levels of religious practice. Yet closer scrutiny reveals an increasingly lively and demographically growing Christian remnant. Several studies have examined the connection between religiosity - whether defined as attendance, belief or affiliation - and fertility in Europe. Most find a statistically significant effect even when controlling for age, education, income, marital status and other factors...  

{{cquote|What of European [[Christianity]]? The conventional wisdom holds it to be in free fall, especially in Western [[Europe]]. (Bruce 2002) This is undoubtedly correct for Catholic Europe, while Protestant Europe already has low levels of religious practice. Yet closer scrutiny reveals an increasingly lively and demographically growing Christian remnant. Several studies have examined the connection between religiosity - whether defined as attendance, belief or affiliation - and fertility in Europe. Most find a statistically significant effect even when controlling for age, education, income, marital status and other factors...  

Moving to the wider spectrum of European Christianity, we find that fertility is indeed much higher among European women who are religious...

Moving to the wider spectrum of European [[Christianity]], we find that fertility is indeed much higher among European women who are religious...

Today, most of those who remain religious in Europe wear their beliefs lightly, but conservative Christianity is hardly a spent force. Data on conservative Christians is difficult to come by since many new churches keep few official records. Reports from the World Christian Database, which meticulously tracks reports from church bodies, indicates that 4.1 percent of Europeans (including Russians) were evangelical Christians in 2005. This figure rises to 4.9 percent in northern, western and southern Europe. Most religious conservatives are charismatics, working within mainstream denominations like Catholicism or Lutheranism to ‘renew’ the faith along more conservative lines. There is also an important minority of Pentecostals, who account for .5% of Europe’s population. Together, charismatics and Pentecostals account for close to 5 % of Europe’s population. The proportion of conservative Christians has been rising, however: some estimate that the trajectory of conservative Christian growth has outpaced that of Islam in Europe. (Jenkins 2007: 75).

Today, most of those who remain religious in Europe wear their beliefs lightly, but conservative Christianity is hardly a spent force. Data on conservative Christians is difficult to come by since many new churches keep few official records. Reports from the World Christian Database, which meticulously tracks reports from church bodies, indicates that 4.1 percent of Europeans (including Russians) were evangelical Christians in 2005. This figure rises to 4.9 percent in northern, western and southern Europe. Most religious conservatives are charismatics, working within mainstream denominations like Catholicism or Lutheranism to ‘renew’ the faith along more conservative lines. There is also an important minority of [[Pentecostal]]s, who account for .5% of Europe’s population. Together, charismatics and Pentecostals account for close to 5 % of Europe’s population. The proportion of conservative Christians has been rising, however: some estimate that the trajectory of conservative Christian growth has outpaced that of Islam in Europe. (Jenkins 2007: 75).

In many European countries, the proportion of conservative Christians is close to

In many European countries, the proportion of conservative Christians is close to

''See also:'' [[European migrant crisis]]

''See also:'' [[European migrant crisis]]

In 2011, a paper was published entitled ''The End of Secularization in Europe?: A Socio-Demographic Perspective''. The authors of the paper were: Eric Kaufmann - Birkbeck College, University of London; Anne Goujon - World Population Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA); Vegard Skirbekk World Population Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/immigrants-become-more-religious-longer.html Religious immigrants will alter the religious landscape of Europe]</ref>  

In 2011, a paper was published entitled ''The End of Secularization in Europe?: A Socio-Demographic Perspective''. The authors of the paper were: Eric Kaufmann - Birkbeck College, University of London; Anne Goujon - World Population Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA); Vegard Skirbekk World Population Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/immigrants-become-more-religious-longer.html Religious immigrants will alter the religious landscape of Europe]</ref>  

In Europe, there has been less attention paid to fertility differences between denominations. However, several studies have discovered that immigrants to Europe tend to be more religious than the host population and — especially if Muslim—tend to retain their religiosity (Van Tubergen 2006). Though some indicators point to modest religious decline toward the host society mean, other trends suggest that immigrants become more, rather than less, religious the longer they reside in the host society (Van Tubergen 2007).  All of which indicates that religious decline may fail at the aggregate level even if it is occurring at the individual level (Kaufmann 2006, 2010). This article thereby investigates the hypothesis that a combination of higher religious fertility, immigration, and slowing rates of religious apostasy will eventually produce a reversal in the decline of the religious population of Western Europe.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/immigrants-become-more-religious-longer.html Religious immigrants will alter the religious landscape of Europe]</ref>}}

In Europe, there has been less attention paid to fertility differences between denominations. However, several studies have discovered that immigrants to Europe tend to be more religious than the host population and — especially if Muslim—tend to retain their religiosity (Van Tubergen 2006). Though some indicators point to modest religious decline toward the host society mean, other trends suggest that immigrants become more, rather than less, religious the longer they reside in the host society (Van Tubergen 2007).  All of which indicates that religious decline may fail at the aggregate level even if it is occurring at the individual level (Kaufmann 2006, 2010). This article thereby investigates the hypothesis that a combination of higher religious fertility, immigration, and slowing rates of religious apostasy will eventually produce a reversal in the decline of the religious population of Western Europe.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/immigrants-become-more-religious-longer.html Religious immigrants will alter the religious landscape of Europe]</ref>}}

== Growth of British evangelical Christianity ==

== Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular Europe ==

[[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.  

 

*[[Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular Europe]]

 

 

''See also:'' [[British atheism]]

 

A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</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>]]

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>]]

''See also:'' [[British atheism]]

''See also:'' [[British atheism]] and [[UK and secularism]]

 

A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>  

All of these Evangelical churches were planted in deprived areas, not suburbs; most of their members were local; one parish was cross-tradition; every parish was reaching people who do not attend church; and all of them were involved in social-action projects that served their local communities.<ref>[https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/8-december/comment/opinion/church-growth-is-not-just-for-evangelicals Church growth is not just for Evangelicals]</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>   

== Growth of French evangelical Protestant Christianity ==

== Growth of French evangelical Protestant Christianity ==

[[File:Flag of France.png|thumbnail|200px|right|French scholars say, [[evangelicalism]] is likely the fastest-growing religion in [[France]] – defying all stereotypes about one of Europe’s most secular nations. In 2011, The number of evangelical churches increased from 769 to 2,068 in 2011.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0712/In-a-France-suspicious-of-religion-evangelicalism-s-message-strikes-a-chord In a France suspicious of religion, evangelicalism's message strikes a chord]</ref> ]]

[[File:Flag of France.png|thumbnail|200px|right|French scholars say, [[evangelicalism]] is likely the fastest-growing religion in [[France]] – defying all stereotypes about one of Europe's most secular nations. In 2011, The number of evangelical churches increased from 769 to 2,068 in 2011.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0712/In-a-France-suspicious-of-religion-evangelicalism-s-message-strikes-a-chord In a France suspicious of religion, evangelicalism's message strikes a chord]</ref> ]]

On July 12, 2012, the ''Christian Science Monitor'' reported:

On July 12, 2012, the ''Christian Science Monitor'' reported:

{{cquote|French scholars say, evangelicalism is likely the fastest-growing religion in [[France]] – defying all stereotypes about Europe’s most secular nation...

{{cquote|French scholars say, evangelicalism is likely the fastest-growing religion in [[France]] – defying all stereotypes about Europe’s most secular nation...

Daniel Liechti, vice-president of the French National Evangelical Council, found that since 1970, a new evangelical church has opened in France every 10 days. The number of churches increased from 769 to 2,068 last year.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0712/In-a-France-suspicious-of-religion-evangelicalism-s-message-strikes-a-chord In a France suspicious of religion, evangelicalism's message strikes a chord]</ref>}}

Daniel Liechti, vice-president of the French National Evangelical Council, found that since 1970, a new evangelical church has opened in France every 10 days. The number of churches increased from 769 to 2,068 last year.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0712/In-a-France-suspicious-of-religion-evangelicalism-s-message-strikes-a-chord In a France suspicious of religion, evangelicalism's message strikes a chord]</ref>}}

See also: [http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/immigrant-evangelical-churches-are-fast.html Immigrant evangelical churches are a fast growing movement in France]

See also: [http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/immigrant-evangelical-churches-are-fast.html Immigrant evangelical churches are a fast growing movement in France]

== Growth of Swiss evangelical Protestantism ==

== Growth of Swiss evangelical Protestantism ==

Evangelical Christianity has seen large growth in [[Switzerland]] to the point that evangelical churchgoers outnumber mainline churchgoers 2-1.<ref>Kumar, Anugrah (December 5, 2011). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelical-churches-growing-fast-in-switzerland-63962/ Evangelical Churches Growing Fast in Switzerland]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved January 17, 2017.</ref>

Evangelical Christianity has seen large growth in [[Switzerland]] to the point that evangelical churchgoers outnumber mainline churchgoers 2–1.<ref>Kumar, Anugrah (December 5, 2011). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelical-churches-growing-fast-in-switzerland-63962/ Evangelical Churches Growing Fast in Switzerland]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved January 17, 2017.</ref>

== Central and Eastern Europe and deseculiarization ==

== Eastern and Central Europe and desecularization ==

''See also:'' [[Central and Eastern Europe and desecularization]]  

''See also:'' [[Central and Eastern Europe and desecularization]]  

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>

== Future of Islam in Europe ==

== Future of Islam in Europe ==

[[File:StarCresent.png|thumbnail|200px|right|According to Pew Forum, by 2030 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>]]

[[File:StarCresent.png|thumbnail|200px|right|According to Pew Forum, by 2030 Muslims are projected to make up 8% of Europe's population.<ref>[https://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>]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism vs. Islam]]

''See also:'' [[Future of religion, Christianity and Islam in the UK and Europe]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]]

According to Pew Forum:

According to Pew Forum: "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>[https://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 2010, Eric Kaufmann indicated concerning the future of Islam in Europe:

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

=== 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>[http://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:'' [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Moral failures of the atheist community]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheist population and immorality]]

In 2005, the Pew Forum reported:

In 2005, the Pew Forum reported:

*[[Atheism and morality]]

*[[Atheism and morality]]

*[[Moral failures of the atheist community]]

*[[Atheist population and immorality]]

=== Britain and morality ===

=== Britain 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>

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

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

*[http://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'']

*[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8695318/UK-riots-David-Cameron-promises-to-restore-sense-of-morality-as-police-get-new-powers.html UK riots: David Cameron promises to restore 'sense of morality' as police get new powers]

*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8695318/UK-riots-David-Cameron-promises-to-restore-sense-of-morality-as-police-get-new-powers.html UK riots: David Cameron promises to restore 'sense of morality' as police get new powers]

*[http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Editorials/Article.aspx?id=171651 British morality, Jerusalem Post, 03/24/2010]

*[https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Editorials/Article.aspx?id=171651 British morality, Jerusalem Post, 03/24/2010]

*[http://www.socialaffairsunit.org.uk/blog/archives/000237.php The Strange Death of Moral Britain by Christie Davies]

*[http://www.socialaffairsunit.org.uk/blog/archives/000237.php The Strange Death of Moral Britain by Christie Davies]

*[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/carl-mortished/uk-welfare-plan-saves-money-but-morally-bankrupt/article1790653/ U.K. welfare plan: Saves money, but morally bankrupt, Globe and Mail,Nov. 09, 2010 by Carl Mortished]</ref>  [[Peter Hitchens]] is the [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] brother of atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]]. In an article entitled ''Britain Needs God'' [[Creation Ministries International]] declared:

*[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/carl-mortished/uk-welfare-plan-saves-money-but-morally-bankrupt/article1790653/ U.K. welfare plan: Saves money, but morally bankrupt, Globe and Mail,Nov. 09, 2010 by Carl Mortished]</ref>  [[Peter Hitchens]] is the [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] brother of atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]]. In an article entitled ''Britain Needs God'' [[Creation Ministries International]] declared:

{{cquote|Peter also wrote of what he saw as the growing public discourtesy and incivility in [[Britain]]. When he returned to [[London]], after a five-year absence, he was shocked by the decline in people’s behaviour. He commented, “The rapid vanishing of [[Christianity]] from public consciousness and life, as the last fully [[Christian]] generation ages and disappears, seems to me to be a major part of it. I do not think I would have been half so shocked by the squalor and rudeness of 1990 [[Moscow]], if I had not come from a country where Christian forbearance was still well-established. If I had then been able to see the London of 2010, I would have been equally shocked.” In many respects, Peter’s book is a warning to people, as to the kind of society they can expect if they continue to reject Christian beliefs.<ref>[http://creation.com/britain-needs-god ''Britain needs God'']</ref>}}

{{cquote|Peter also wrote of what he saw as the growing public discourtesy and incivility in [[Britain]]. When he returned to [[London]], after a five-year absence, he was shocked by the decline in people’s behaviour. He commented, “The rapid vanishing of [[Christianity]] from public consciousness and life, as the last fully [[Christian]] generation ages and disappears, seems to me to be a major part of it. I do not think I would have been half so shocked by the squalor and rudeness of 1990 [[Moscow]], if I had not come from a country where Christian forbearance was still well-established. If I had then been able to see the London of 2010, I would have been equally shocked.” In many respects, Peter’s book is a warning to people, as to the kind of society they can expect if they continue to reject Christian beliefs.<ref>[https://creation.com/britain-needs-god ''Britain needs God'']</ref>}}

=== Sexual immorality and Sweden ===

=== Sexual immorality and Sweden ===

===  Bestiality and secular Europe ===

===  Bestiality and secular Europe ===

[[File:Loc of Germany.PNG|thumbnail|200px|right|On July 1, 2013 the ''Daily Mail'' reported that [[bestiality]] brothels were spreading quickly through [[Germany]]. In addition, there "are even 'erotic zoos' which people can visit to abuse animals ranging from llamas to goats."<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352779/Bestiality-brothels-spreading-Germany-campaigner-claims-abusers-sex-animals-lifestyle-choice.html Bestiality brothels are 'spreading through Germany']</ref> See: [[Bestiality and Germany]] ]]

[[File:Loc of Germany.PNG|thumbnail|200px|right|On July 1, 2013 the ''Daily Mail'' reported that [[bestiality]] brothels were spreading quickly through [[Germany]]. In addition, there "are even 'erotic zoos' which people can visit to abuse animals ranging from llamas to goats."<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352779/Bestiality-brothels-spreading-Germany-campaigner-claims-abusers-sex-animals-lifestyle-choice.html Bestiality brothels are 'spreading through Germany']</ref> See: [[Bestiality and Germany]] ]]

''See also:'' [[Bestiality and secular Europe]]

''See also:'' [[Bestiality and secular Europe]]

{{cquote|Bestiality is having a weird renaissance in [[Europe]]. Perhaps ironically, it kicked off when activists succeeded in banning the practice in places like Germany and Norway. In the background, something else emerged simultaneously: an animal-sex-tourism industry, which has been blossoming in Denmark.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/newsreport3738/ Vice News report on bestiality upsurge in Europe]</ref>}}  

{{cquote|Bestiality is having a weird renaissance in [[Europe]]. Perhaps ironically, it kicked off when activists succeeded in banning the practice in places like Germany and Norway. In the background, something else emerged simultaneously: an animal-sex-tourism industry, which has been blossoming in Denmark.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/newsreport3738/ Vice News report on bestiality upsurge in Europe]</ref>}}  

On July 1, 2013 the ''Daily Mail'' reported that bestiality brothels were spreading quickly through [[Germany]].<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352779/Bestiality-brothels-spreading-Germany-campaigner-claims-abusers-sex-animals-lifestyle-choice.html Bestiality brothels are 'spreading through Germany']</ref> In addition, the ''Daily Mail'' reported that there "are even 'erotic zoos' which people can visit to abuse animals ranging from llamas to goats."<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352779/Bestiality-brothels-spreading-Germany-campaigner-claims-abusers-sex-animals-lifestyle-choice.html Bestiality brothels are 'spreading through Germany']</ref>

On July 1, 2013, the ''Daily Mail'' reported that bestiality brothels were spreading quickly through [[Germany]].<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352779/Bestiality-brothels-spreading-Germany-campaigner-claims-abusers-sex-animals-lifestyle-choice.html Bestiality brothels are 'spreading through Germany']</ref> In addition, the ''Daily Mail'' reported that there "are even 'erotic zoos' which people can visit to abuse animals ranging from llamas to goats."<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352779/Bestiality-brothels-spreading-Germany-campaigner-claims-abusers-sex-animals-lifestyle-choice.html Bestiality brothels are 'spreading through Germany']</ref>

In 2014, according to Danish journalist Margit Shabanzahen, a Danish man who ran a business catering to people who have sex with horses said that he had buses of people arriving at his business.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/newsreport3738/ Vice News report on bestiality upsurge in Europe]</ref>

In 2014, according to Danish journalist Margit Shabanzahen, a Danish man who ran a business catering to people who have sex with horses said that he had buses of people arriving at his business.<ref>[https://sites.google.com/site/newsreport3738/ Vice News report on bestiality upsurge in Europe]</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>

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>[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>[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 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>

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>

 

See: [[Decline of Europe]]

== 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 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>[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> ]]

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]]).

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]]).

''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>[https://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>[https://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>[https://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 ===

Estimates of the number of overweight infants and children in the WHO European Region rose steadily from 1990 to 2008. Over 60% of children who are overweight before puberty will be overweight in early adulthood.<ref>[http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/obesity/data-and-statistics World Health Organization - Regional Office for Europe - The challenge of obesity - quick statistics]</ref>}}

Estimates of the number of overweight infants and children in the WHO European Region rose steadily from 1990 to 2008. Over 60% of children who are overweight before puberty will be overweight in early adulthood.<ref>[http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/obesity/data-and-statistics World Health Organization - Regional Office for Europe - The challenge of obesity - quick statistics]</ref>}}

The traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many secular European individuals' diets and religious Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]</ref><ref>[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref>

The traditional [[Africa]]n diet is healthier than many secular European individuals' diets and religious Africa has some of the lowest obesity rates in the world.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/2007/02/07/worlds-fattest-countries-forbeslife-cx_ls_0208worldfat.html World's fattest countries]</ref><ref>[http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030612p26.shtml Traditional African diets are healthier than Western diets], Today's Nutrition</ref>

For more information please see: [[Atheism and obesity]]

For more information please see: [[Atheism and obesity]]

[[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 [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>[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 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>[http://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>}}

[[Britain]] is the birthplace of [[Darwinism]]. Since [[World War II]] a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the [[evolution]]ary position which employs [[methodological naturalism]] have been [[Atheism|atheists]] or [[agnosticism|agnostics]].<ref>

[[Britain]] is the birthplace of [[Darwinism]]. Since [[World War II]] a majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the [[evolution]]ary position which employs [[methodological naturalism]] have been [[Atheism|atheists]] or [[agnosticism|agnostics]].<ref>

* Dr. Don Batten, [http://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32, December 1997.

* Dr. Don Batten, [https://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32, December 1997.

* [[Jonathan Sarfati]], Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creation.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]

* [[Jonathan Sarfati]], Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creation.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]

</ref>

</ref>

 

== Secular Europe and alcoholism ==

== Secular Europe and alcoholism ==

[[File:04656 market in Sanok.JPG|thumbnail|200px|right|According to the [[World Health Organization]]'s (WHO) regional office in [[Europe]], "The WHO European Region has the highest proportion in the world of total ill health and premature death due to alcohol.<ref>[http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/alcohol-use/data-and-statistics World Health Organization's (WHO) regional office in Europe- Alcohol usage of Europe]</ref>]]

[[File:04656 market in Sanok.JPG|thumbnail|200px|right|According to the [[World Health Organization]]'s (WHO) regional office in [[Europe]], "The WHO European Region has the highest proportion in the world of total ill health and premature death due to alcohol.<ref>[http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/alcohol-use/data-and-statistics World Health Organization's (WHO) regional office in Europe- Alcohol usage of Europe]</ref>]]

== Recent intelligence trends in secular Europe/Australia and the religious United States  ==

== Recent intelligence trends in secular Europe/Australia and the religious United States  ==

[[File:Sweden rel96.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Sweden is one of the most atheistic countries in the world.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In [[Sweden]], 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> ]]  

[[File:Sweden rel96.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|Sweden is one of the most atheistic countries in the world.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> In [[Sweden]], phenotypic intelligence is now declining.<ref>[https://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> ]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheism and intelligence]]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and intelligence]]

{{cquote|In many areas phenotypic intelligence has been increasing (the Flynn Effect) while genotypic intelligence is decreasing due to the negative association between intelligence and that which is known as ³dysgenic fertility´. Gains of as much as 7.5 IQ points in phenotypic intelligence are much greater than the 0.43 IQ points per generation in the world-wide genotypic IQ that had been estimated for the period 1950-2000. The situation in the industrially developed world appears to follow the lead of the United States and a handful of other developed nations in so far as the phenotypic IQ has been increasing at a greater rate as a result of environmental improvements.

{{cquote|In many areas phenotypic intelligence has been increasing (the Flynn Effect) while genotypic intelligence is decreasing due to the negative association between intelligence and that which is known as ³dysgenic fertility´. Gains of as much as 7.5 IQ points in phenotypic intelligence are much greater than the 0.43 IQ points per generation in the world-wide genotypic IQ that had been estimated for the period 1950-2000. The situation in the industrially developed world appears to follow the lead of the United States and a handful of other developed nations in so far as the phenotypic IQ has been increasing at a greater rate as a result of environmental improvements.

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>[https://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>[https://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 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:  

*[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/1202/The-eurozone-crisis-explained-in-5-simple-graphs/Debt-as-a-percentage-of-GDP The Eurozone Crisis explained in 5 simple graphs]

*[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/1202/The-eurozone-crisis-explained-in-5-simple-graphs/Debt-as-a-percentage-of-GDP The Eurozone Crisis explained in 5 simple graphs]

*[http://mises.org/daily/5800/Why-Is-There-a-Euro-Crisis Why is there a Euro Crisis?]

*[http://mises.org/daily/5800/Why-Is-There-a-Euro-Crisis Why is there a Euro Crisis?]

*[http://www.forbes.com/sites/shelliekarabell/2014/09/16/is-europe-in-decline-one-professor-thinks-so/ Is Europe In Decline? One Professor Thinks So] - ''Forbes'' magazine, 9/16/2014

*[https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelliekarabell/2014/09/16/is-europe-in-decline-one-professor-thinks-so/ Is Europe In Decline? One Professor Thinks So] - ''Forbes'' magazine, 9/16/2014

*[http://www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2012/05/30/whats-really-behind-europes-decline-its-the-birth-rates-stupid/ What's Really Behind Europe's Decline? It's The Birth Rates, Stupid], ''Forbes'' magazine,  5/30/2012

*[https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2012/05/30/whats-really-behind-europes-decline-its-the-birth-rates-stupid/ What's Really Behind Europe's Decline? It's The Birth Rates, Stupid], ''Forbes'' magazine,  5/30/2012

=== Economic productivity and the Protestant work ethic ===

=== Economic productivity and the Protestant work ethic ===

''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

*[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

*[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

*[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>

*[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:

==== Reports of Britain's societal decline ====

==== Reports of Britain's societal decline ====

*[http://creation.com/why-is-england-burning Why is England burning?] by [[Creation Ministries International]],  August 13, 2011

*[https://creation.com/why-is-england-burning Why is England burning?] by [[Creation Ministries International]],  August 13, 2011

*[http://creation.com/bbc-sexual-perversion ‘Sexual perversion is good for you’, claims BBC] by Creation Ministries International,  September 27, 2012

*[https://creation.com/bbc-sexual-perversion ‘Sexual perversion is good for you’, claims BBC] by Creation Ministries International,  September 27, 2012

== Atheism vs. Christian revival in the first half of the 1800s ==

== Atheism vs. Christian revival in the first half of the 1800s ==

*[[Global atheism]]

*[[Global atheism]]

*[[Growth of Christianity in China]]

*[[Growth of Christianity in China]]

*[[Growth of global desecularization]]

*[[Growth of global desecularization]]

*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]

*[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]

== External links ==

== External links ==

*[https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/28.24.69.0/religion/the-truth-about-religion-in-europe The Truth About Religion in Europe]

*[https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/28.24.69.0/religion/the-truth-about-religion-in-europe The Truth About Religion in Europe]

*[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/15/europe-projected-to-retain-its-christian-majority-but-religious-minorities-will-grow/ Europe projected to retain its Christian majority, but religious minorities will grow] , Pew Forum

*[https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/04/15/europe-projected-to-retain-its-christian-majority-but-religious-minorities-will-grow/ Europe projected to retain its Christian majority, but religious minorities will grow] , Pew Forum

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/11/trumps-defense-demands-for-nato-would.html Trump’s defense demands for NATO would end Denmark’s welfare state. Smaller welfare state means lower prevalence of atheism. European atheism and economics/socialism]

*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/11/trumps-defense-demands-for-nato-would.html Trump’s defense demands for NATO would end Denmark’s welfare state. Smaller welfare state means lower prevalence of atheism. European atheism and economics/socialism]

*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16759195 How secular is Europe], ''British Journal of Sociology'', 2006

*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16759195 How secular is Europe], ''British Journal of Sociology'', 2006

*[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/re.evangalising.secular.europe/35980.htm Re-evangelizing secular Europe], ''Christianity Today'', February 2014

*[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/re.evangalising.secular.europe/35980.htm Re-evangelizing secular Europe], ''Christianity Today'', February 2014

*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-future-of-european-darwinism-and_16.html The future of European Darwinism and atheism is bleak]  

*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-future-of-european-darwinism-and_16.html The future of European Darwinism and atheism is bleak]  

Creationism:

Creationism:

*[http://www.theguardian.com/science/2009/nov/13/migration-creationism-evolution-michael-reiss Migration is spreading creationism across Europe, claims academic] - ''Guardian'', November 2009

*[https://www.theguardian.com/science/2009/nov/13/migration-creationism-evolution-michael-reiss Migration is spreading creationism across Europe, claims academic] - ''Guardian'', November 2009

== Notes ==  

== Notes ==