I saw this in the paper the other day and someone on another forum of mine posted it. I find it interesting . . .

I can already see that religion is becoming less and less important in the lives of modern people of first-world countries, but religion reaching the point of extinction here? Hmm . . .

I can see religion becoming practically extinct in most urban areas within 100 years, but in rural areas? It'll definitely take a longer time for religion to become extinct in rural places. Rural people tend to be more traditional and superstitious and put a lot more importance in religion than people who live in urban areas. Per capita, there are way more evangelical Christians in rural areas than there are in cities and we all know how stubborn most evangelicals are. I can't see any of the evangelical families around here quitting their religion anytime soon because it's, without a doubt, the most important thing in their lives.

At this point in time, I believe that lots of young, urban, non-evangelical Christians don't even believe in their religion yet claim to be Christians. They just claim to be "believers" and attend church mostly to continue the Christian tradition of their family. I think they do this mostly because lots of Christian parents disown their kids when they find out they've become non-believers.

Anyway: Can you see religion becoming extinct in your country any time soon?

Nah, Canada's too tolerant and multicultural to see the extinction of religion. BC even has a polygamist town, Bountiful. (not exactly religion, but you get the idea). People from other countries with strong religious backgrounds will keep religion alive.

Canada is tolerant . . . of non-harmful bullshit. Do you really think that Canada is tolerant of harmful things such as religion? Naw, not really. It's dying very quickly here, but it unfortunately won't die completely anytime soon. Religion dies much quicker in "tolerant" (i.e. - non-repressed) countries than it does in highly repressed nations. Did you actually think it was the opposite?

Sure - we allow folks from far away countries who have different religions than most of the people here have immigrate to this country, but does it mean that we're fond of their religion and that we condone and "accept" their religions? A lot of people here actually hate how these foreigners come here and worship their god(s) in public places such as schools.

What does polygamism have to do with religion? Like I said - we're tolerant of non-harmful bullshit. Religion is far from being harmless.

(i find all abrahamic religions to be equally repulsive, and i know that there are other choices like wicca or buddhism, but because christian is the most prevalent and dangerous in the states it's the one i'm exampling. )

religion will be "extinct" in america when the next world war happens, and with how rapidly things are declining here i'm guessing will be in my lifetime. i use quotes because though it may be illegal to practice certain religions hardcore dummies will still have too many kids than they can care for and brainwash them into being believers, though without the charity aspect thier kids grandkids will more than likely be non practicing. charity is why religion is so important for poor people i think. it used to be pray to jesus or die, and now that they can't kill everyone who isn't a christian it's pray to jesus and get something, which is probably more effective. religion also fills a very base need for humans which is herd mentality. i don't think religion will ever be fully eradicated due to that. other herds are a threat, to be looked down on with either pity or contempt. most people if they are occupied with someone or thing to hate and blame won't question thier lot in life. perfect example is the current popular state of mind it's the fault of the chinese or arabs there's no money in the states, not the fault of thier own foolish military spending, or that one percent possesses over half the nation's money.
most christians i've met are actually deists, the spiritual but not religious type. they feel they can't say deist because of the stigma associated with not being a christian. every catholic i know is non practicing - no mass, haven't read the bible and don't even know any prayers. actual practice is something that makes them uncomfortable. they don't want to admit they're only saying that they are christian to appease the hive mind. once it becomes socially acceptable to be an atheist / agnostic then we'll really see religion dropping. whether that's a good thing i don't know. people will always find reasons to act like self righteous assholes.

You know I don't mind people who are religious personally, so long as they don't shove religion onto other people. I can see how religion can become extinct in some countries, and in others it may still continue to be practiced for quite a while.

"Can you see religion becoming extinct in your country any time soon?"

No, Jesus is very popular in the US, especially in the south. Several decades ago it seemed to be declining, but lately its made a big comeback. America today is about Jesus, War, and Football. Introspective thought and analysis, not so much.

I love when Mask Identity gives everyone a dose of reality.

I've nothing to add to the discussion, however, that hasn't already been said.

Even if traditional religions such as Christianity become extinct, new ones like Secular Humanism will take their place. The world will not tolerate a complete rejection of all magical thinking.

I agree with SV22 completely.