Religion causes harm, says poll

[Guest guest]

NEARLY half the British think that religion is harmful, according to a poll carried out by YouGov. Yet more than half also believe in God “or something”.

The YouGov poll commissioned by John Humphrys, the broadcaster and writer, found that 42% of the 2,200 people taking part considered religion had a harmful effect.

“One reason might be the publicity attracted by a handful of mad mullahs and their hate-filled rhetoric,” writes Humphrys in his new book, In God We Doubt, an extract of which appears in today’s Sunday Times News Review.

Only 16% of those polled called themselves atheists; 28% believed in God; 26% believed in “something” but were not sure what; and 9% regarded themselves as agnostics - like Humphrys himself, who had a religious upbringing in Wales but calls himself a “doubter”.

 

 

 

 

 

He writes: “Even though the dominant faith - by a massive margin – is Christianity, only 17% thought the influence of religion was beneficial. That is even fewer than those who claim that they believe in a personal God. And yet when we asked which of the main religions was ‘most effective’ in getting its message across, most thought it was Christianity. Only 10% cited Islam compared with 32% who said Christianity.”

In the survey 43% said they never prayed, 31% hardly prayed, and 10% prayed every night. “More than half of those who say they believe in a personal God cannot be bothered to pray to him every night,” writes Humphrys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have your say

 

 

 

 

It seems to me that we are being confused by religion and lifestyle. For example, the current terrorist turmoil is probably caused more by differences in approaches as to how one worships God/Allah/Supreme Being.... That is lifestyle, not religion, which is a personal matter. So, the lifestyle of a minority of fanatics spills over to impact the majority. Where is the difference with any other issue of social behaviour? You can'r blame religion for being hi-jacked. These statistics seem to me to add to the sense of confusion, and exemplify the lack of real willingness at all levels to get to grips with a wide range of social issues affecting our lifestyle in the UK.

 

Tom, Bedfordshire,

 

Religious people are such hypocrites. When they have an audience, they're so pious and perfect. But in their minds and when they're out of site of others they like everyone else. Just look at the numerous Republicans involved in sex scandals.

 

Jake, London, UK

 

"Only 16% of those polled called themselves atheists; 28% believed in God; 26% believed in “something†but were not sure what; and 9% regarded themselves as agnostics" This adds up to 79%. So how do you classify the 19% non-atheist, non- believers, non-agnostics? Presumably they are the Hello readers who simply believe whatever they are told.

 

Peter, Oxford, England

Peter H

 

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