Difference between revisions of "Atheism and poor relationships with parents"

From Conservapedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎top: HTTP --> HTTPS, replaced: http://www.dailymail.co.uk → https://www.dailymail.co.uk)
 
(33 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[Image:DrVitz.jpg|thumbnail|225px|right|[[Ex-atheists|Ex-atheist]] [[Paul Vitz]] ]]
 
[[Image:DrVitz.jpg|thumbnail|225px|right|[[Ex-atheists|Ex-atheist]] [[Paul Vitz]] ]]
−
The ''Cambridge Companion to Atheism'' which was edited by the atheist [[philosophy|philosopher]] [[Michael Martin]] declared:
+
The atheist [[philosophy|philosopher]] [[Michael Martin]] declared in the ''Cambridge Companion to Atheism'':
 
{{cquote|Continuity and discontinuity in any identity may be a function of interpersonal networks, especially involving intimate relations. Apostasy and conversion can both be seen as a rejection of parental identity and parental beliefs. It “might well be symptomatic of familial strain and dissociation... apostasy is to be viewed as a form of rebellion against parents” (Caplovitz and Sherrow, 1977:50).<ref>''The Cambridge Companion to Atheism'', edited by [[Michael Martin]], page 302, published in 2006</ref>}}
 
{{cquote|Continuity and discontinuity in any identity may be a function of interpersonal networks, especially involving intimate relations. Apostasy and conversion can both be seen as a rejection of parental identity and parental beliefs. It “might well be symptomatic of familial strain and dissociation... apostasy is to be viewed as a form of rebellion against parents” (Caplovitz and Sherrow, 1977:50).<ref>''The Cambridge Companion to Atheism'', edited by [[Michael Martin]], page 302, published in 2006</ref>}}
  
−
A troubled/non-existent relationship with a father can influence a person to become an atheist.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth12.html</ref>  Dr. [[Paul Vitz]] wrote a book entitled ''Faith of the Fatherless'' in which he points out that after studying the lives of more than a dozen leading atheists he found that a large majority of them had a father who was present but weak, present but abusive, or absent.<ref>Vitz, Paul, [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt The Psychology of Atheism], September 24, 1997 (lecture notes taken by an audience member).</ref><ref>Anders, Kerby, [http://www.probe.org/content/view/36/91/ Atheists and Their Fathers]  (Probe Ministries)</ref>  Dr. Vitz also examined the lives of prominent theists who were contemporaneous to their atheist counterparts and from the same culture and in every instance these prominent theists had a good relationship with his father.<ref>http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt</ref> Dr. Vitz has also stated other common factors he observed in the leading atheists he profiled: they were all intelligent and arrogant.<ref>http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt</ref>
+
In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an [[Atheism|atheist]] household remain atheists as adults.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups</ref>  See also: [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]] and [[Atheism and marriage]]
 +
 
 +
A troubled/non-existent relationship with a father is theorized to influence a person to become an atheist.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth12.html</ref>   
 +
 
 +
The ''Daily Mail'' reported that a study conducted by Public Religion Research Institute in partnership with the Religion News Service found that "children raised by divorced parents are more likely than children whose parents are married to be non-religious as adults."<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3812164/Children-grow-divorced-parents-likely-religious.html Children who grow up with divorced parents 'are less likely to be religious'], Daily Mail</ref>
 +
 
 +
Dr. [[Paul Vitz]] wrote a book entitled ''Faith of the Fatherless'' in which he points out that after studying the lives of more than a dozen leading atheists he found that a large majority of them had a father who was present but weak, present but abusive, or absent.<ref>Vitz, Paul, [http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt The Psychology of Atheism], September 24, 1997 (lecture notes taken by an audience member).</ref><ref>Anders, Kerby, [http://www.probe.org/content/view/36/91/ Atheists and Their Fathers]  (Probe Ministries)</ref>  Dr. Vitz also examined the lives of prominent theists who were contemporaneous to their atheist counterparts and from the same culture and in every instance these prominent theists had a good relationship with his father.<ref>http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt</ref> Dr. Vitz has also stated other common factors he observed in the leading atheists he profiled: they were all intelligent and arrogant.<ref>http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt</ref>
 +
 
 +
Vitz argues that the defective/absent father theory as a cause of atheism best fits cases where people are militant/intense atheists and that his theory applies in at least 50% of these instances (Vitz does believe in free will and therefore a person with a defective father is not necessarily going to become an atheist).<ref>[https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-extras/worldview-curriculum/faith-of-the-fatherless-the-psychology-of-atheism Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism]</ref><ref>[http://www.veritas.org/psychology-atheism/ Psychology of Atheism] by Paul Vitz (lecture at Veritas Forum)</ref><ref>[http://www.ccu.edu/centennial/2014/06/this-fathers-day-hug-an-atheist/ This Father’s Day, hug an atheist!] by Joy Overbeck, Centennial Institute, Colorado Christian University</ref>
  
 
The book ''Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences'' by John J. Pasquini, Th.D. indicates that many of the prominent atheists (and prominent [[practical atheism|practical atheists]]) who had dysfunctional/absent fathers that he lists in his book also had dysfunctional/absent mothers.<ref>Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences by John J. Pasquini, 2014, University Press of America, page 3</ref>
 
The book ''Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences'' by John J. Pasquini, Th.D. indicates that many of the prominent atheists (and prominent [[practical atheism|practical atheists]]) who had dysfunctional/absent fathers that he lists in his book also had dysfunctional/absent mothers.<ref>Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences by John J. Pasquini, 2014, University Press of America, page 3</ref>
  
−
== Atheism has a lower retention rate than other worldviews ==
+
The [[General Social Survey]] (GSS) data on atheism uses a broad [[definition of atheism]] which can include [[agnosticism|agnostics]].<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/blackwhiteandgray/2012/01/how-many-americans-are-atheists-fewer-than-you-might-think/ How Many Americans are Atheists? Fewer than You Might Think] by Bradley Wright, January 26, 2012</ref>
  
−
In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an [[Atheism|atheist]] household remain atheists as adults.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups</ref> Similarly, according to recent research by the Pew Research Forum on Religion and Public Life, in the United States, a majority of those surveyed who were raised in atheist or [[agnosticism|agnostic]] households, or where there was no specific religious attachment, later chose to join a religious faith.<ref>http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/defectors-to-faith-mark-a-growing-trend/story-e6frg7ko-1225710667095</ref><ref>http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1204/religion-changes-affiliations-survey</ref>  
+
The abstract for journal article ''An Assessment of the Role of Early Parental Loss in the Adoption of Atheism or Irreligion'' by Frank L. Pasquale indicates:
 +
{{Cquote|Early parental loss or trauma has been proposed by some as a significant factor in the adoption of atheist, non-theist, or irreligious worldviews. Relevant empirical data, however, have been limited, impressionistic, methodologically questionable, or limited to historically prominent figures. Survey data from the GSS and a study of affirmatively non-theistic and irreligious secular group affiliates in the U.S. do not provide evidence of disproportionately high rates of early parental loss among individuals who describe themselves as “atheist(ic)” or “anti-religious,” reject belief in God, or express strong anger about religion. Loss of a parent or other loved may play a role in turns toward, as well as away from, God and religion for some. There is also evidence of comparatively high rates of parental loss in the lives of historically prominent figures, both religious and non-religious. Present results, however, do not support the hypothesis that early loss is a disproportionately frequent experience in the lives of (“ordinary”) atheistic or irreligious people.<ref>[http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/157361210x533292  ''An Assessment of the Role of Early Parental Loss in the Adoption of Atheism or Irreligion''] by Frank L. Pasquale1</ref>}}
 +
 
 +
As far as Pasquale's study and his conclusions, as noted above, Vitz indicates that his defective/absent father theory best fits intense atheists and that his theory is not universally applicable to all atheists.
 +
 
 +
In the United States, the ages 14–17 are very influential in terms of an individual adopting atheism.<ref>
 +
*[https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/06/listening-to-young-atheists-lessons-for-a-stronger-christianity/276584/?single_page=true Listening to Young Atheists: Lessons for a Stronger Christianity] by Larry Taunton, The Atlantic
 +
*[https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/church/already-gone/ Chapter 1 - Already Gone]</ref>  Of those who do embrace unbelief in the United States, many do so in their high school years.<ref>
 +
*[https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/06/listening-to-young-atheists-lessons-for-a-stronger-christianity/276584/?single_page=true Listening to Young Atheists: Lessons for a Stronger Christianity] by Larry Taunton, The Atlantic
 +
*[https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/church/already-gone/ Chapter 1 - Already Gone]
 +
*[http://headhearthand.org/blog/2014/10/28/what-led-you-to-become-an-atheist-some-surprising-answers/ What Led You To Become An Atheist? Some Surprising Answers]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and immaturity]]
 +
 
 +
== Atheism and its retention rate in individuals ==
 +
 
 +
''See also:'' [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]]
 +
 
 +
In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an [[Atheism|atheist]] household remain atheists as adults.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups</ref>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
  
 
*[[Causes of atheism]]
 
*[[Causes of atheism]]
 +
 +
*[[Psychology of atheism]]
 +
 +
*[[Atheism and children]]
 +
 +
*[[Irreligion and domestic violence]]
  
 
*[[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence]]
 
*[[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence]]
Line 19: Line 49:
 
*[[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence]]
 
*[[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence]]
  
−
==External Links==
+
*[[Atheism and bitterness]]
 +
 
 +
*[[Atheism and immaturity]]
 +
 
 +
*[[Causes of atheism]]
 +
 
 +
*[[Teenage atheism]]
 +
 
 +
==External links==
  
 
* [http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2002/mar2002p16_955.html Faith of the Fatherless, the Psychology of Atheism]
 
* [http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2002/mar2002p16_955.html Faith of the Fatherless, the Psychology of Atheism]

Latest revision as of 05:53, April 2, 2019

Ex-atheist Paul Vitz

The atheist philosopher Michael Martin declared in the Cambridge Companion to Atheism:

“ Continuity and discontinuity in any identity may be a function of interpersonal networks, especially involving intimate relations. Apostasy and conversion can both be seen as a rejection of parental identity and parental beliefs. It “might well be symptomatic of familial strain and dissociation... apostasy is to be viewed as a form of rebellion against parents” (Caplovitz and Sherrow, 1977:50).[1] ”

In 2012, a Georgetown University study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.[2] See also: Atheism and its retention rate in individuals and Atheism and marriage

A troubled/non-existent relationship with a father is theorized to influence a person to become an atheist.[3]

The Daily Mail reported that a study conducted by Public Religion Research Institute in partnership with the Religion News Service found that "children raised by divorced parents are more likely than children whose parents are married to be non-religious as adults."[4]

Dr. Paul Vitz wrote a book entitled Faith of the Fatherless in which he points out that after studying the lives of more than a dozen leading atheists he found that a large majority of them had a father who was present but weak, present but abusive, or absent.[5][6] Dr. Vitz also examined the lives of prominent theists who were contemporaneous to their atheist counterparts and from the same culture and in every instance these prominent theists had a good relationship with his father.[7] Dr. Vitz has also stated other common factors he observed in the leading atheists he profiled: they were all intelligent and arrogant.[8]

Vitz argues that the defective/absent father theory as a cause of atheism best fits cases where people are militant/intense atheists and that his theory applies in at least 50% of these instances (Vitz does believe in free will and therefore a person with a defective father is not necessarily going to become an atheist).[9][10][11]

The book Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences by John J. Pasquini, Th.D. indicates that many of the prominent atheists (and prominent practical atheists) who had dysfunctional/absent fathers that he lists in his book also had dysfunctional/absent mothers.[12]

The General Social Survey (GSS) data on atheism uses a broad definition of atheism which can include agnostics.[13]

The abstract for journal article An Assessment of the Role of Early Parental Loss in the Adoption of Atheism or Irreligion by Frank L. Pasquale indicates:

“ Early parental loss or trauma has been proposed by some as a significant factor in the adoption of atheist, non-theist, or irreligious worldviews. Relevant empirical data, however, have been limited, impressionistic, methodologically questionable, or limited to historically prominent figures. Survey data from the GSS and a study of affirmatively non-theistic and irreligious secular group affiliates in the U.S. do not provide evidence of disproportionately high rates of early parental loss among individuals who describe themselves as “atheist(ic)” or “anti-religious,” reject belief in God, or express strong anger about religion. Loss of a parent or other loved may play a role in turns toward, as well as away from, God and religion for some. There is also evidence of comparatively high rates of parental loss in the lives of historically prominent figures, both religious and non-religious. Present results, however, do not support the hypothesis that early loss is a disproportionately frequent experience in the lives of (“ordinary”) atheistic or irreligious people.[14] ”

As far as Pasquale's study and his conclusions, as noted above, Vitz indicates that his defective/absent father theory best fits intense atheists and that his theory is not universally applicable to all atheists.

In the United States, the ages 14–17 are very influential in terms of an individual adopting atheism.[15] Of those who do embrace unbelief in the United States, many do so in their high school years.[16] See also: Atheism and immaturity

Atheism and its retention rate in individuals

See also: Atheism and its retention rate in individuals

In 2012, a Georgetown University study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.[17]

See also

External links

Notes

  1. ↑ The Cambridge Companion to Atheism, edited by Michael Martin, page 302, published in 2006
  2. ↑ http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups
  3. ↑ http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth12.html
  4. ↑ Children who grow up with divorced parents 'are less likely to be religious', Daily Mail
  5. ↑ Vitz, Paul, The Psychology of Atheism, September 24, 1997 (lecture notes taken by an audience member).
  6. ↑ Anders, Kerby, Atheists and Their Fathers (Probe Ministries)
  7. ↑ http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt
  8. ↑ http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/vitz.txt
  9. ↑ Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism
  10. ↑ Psychology of Atheism by Paul Vitz (lecture at Veritas Forum)
  11. ↑ This Father’s Day, hug an atheist! by Joy Overbeck, Centennial Institute, Colorado Christian University
  12. ↑ Atheist Persona: Causes and Consequences by John J. Pasquini, 2014, University Press of America, page 3
  13. ↑ How Many Americans are Atheists? Fewer than You Might Think by Bradley Wright, January 26, 2012
  14. ↑ An Assessment of the Role of Early Parental Loss in the Adoption of Atheism or Irreligion by Frank L. Pasquale1
  15. ↑
  16. ↑
  17. ↑ http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ Study: Atheists Have Lowest 'Retention Rate' Compared to Religious Groups
Retrieved from "https://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Atheism_and_poor_relationships_with_parents&oldid=1506525"