Oddbean new post about login | logout You can see people becoming more afraid of death as it approaches. https://image.nostr.build/775c577170878e5f2ad6df232152037722e00b90869a535a40c75c424b846181.jpg
Do you assume people go to the church because they're afraid of death? That would be weird.
Pascal's wager.
IDK if you can paint the whole picture with one brush stroke. No doubt SOME of those numbers are motivated by that... but definitely not all. You're smart AF but this just seems, well, dumb. I'm highly subjectively critical of religions BTW.
Definitely not all. You'd have to do a large study over a long period of time while focusing on that one specific variable in order to be sure.
That would be going because they're worried about their after life. Maybe that's what you call death but I don't find it appropriate. Also I think most people naturally become more interested in religion and spirituality in general as they get older. I know I do.
Is this your way of telling us you're becoming more religious / afraid of death?
I wouldn’t put it exactly like that. I don’t think it’s the fear of dying. I think it’s the meaninglessness of everyday living that drives people towards God. My two cents
It doesn’t appear to be a longitudinal study
There are many elderly parishioners at my parish. Their mass attendance hasn’t changed. They have always prioritized their faith and have large families who do the same. What you are seeing are young people who worship themselves and are largely depressed and demoralized. I say this as a millennial who sees it very plainly in people in my age group. This is a generational change in priority, not a new trend in old people. Additionally, this is 4 times per year at the high end. This chart seems to intend to highlight how many people attend never or almost never.
Fear of death os not the only, or even the main reason to be religious. Could it be wisdom?
It could for God’s sake; although most people are motivated by fear of death or of ending up in hellfire.
I already had 3 NDEs... and I am 50+ yrs old. I am not afraid anymore of death. Our human bodies are just simple vessels for a long journey. Enjoy every day as it would be your last day using this vessel. https://m.primal.net/HfHi.png
I think it’s more that you’re seeing the reduction of religion amongst the populace over time.
A little from column A, a little from column B.
or perhaps the immanence of mortality just makes some people think that maybe they dont know everything? ever think life might be that way for a reason?
The seniors would be better off dropping shrooms than going to Church.
Organized religion is nothing but a collection of myths and a system of social control. There is no such thing as a deity who cares for you individually, or your group over another group. (Unless, obviously, we are talking about the #FlyingSpaghettiMonster.) The sooner people stop believing in this bullshit, the better. Stop with the magical thinking. Grow up. Be an adult.
