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Least Religious Countries Are Among the Most Successful Countries in the World
TTimes World News Report
By Iva Skoch Report records for 2007 When you travel to Europe, don't be surprised to find that many Europeans don't believe in God. I have even witnessed some alcohol-infused conversations between Americans and Europeans that almost ended in fistfights over His/Her existence. When you travel to the following countries, you might want to pick a less controversial topic of conversation ... Umm, maybe George W? Here are the Top 10 least religious countries in the world: 1. Sweden (up to 85% non-believer, atheist, agnostic) 2. Vietnam 3. Denmark 4. Norway 5. Japan 6. Czech Republic 7. Finland 8. France 9. South Korea 10. Estonia (up to 49% non-believer, atheist, agnostic) The one that surprised me was Israel, ra! nking 19th, with up to 37% claiming to be non-believer, atheist, agnostic. Compare that with the United States, ranking 44th, with 3-9% non-believers, atheists, agnostics. (I think I have met them all on the streets of New York City, too.) The survey concluded that "high levels of organic atheism are strongly correlated with high levels of societal health, such as low homicide rates, low poverty rates, low infant mortality rates, and low illiteracy rates, as well as high levels of educational attainment, per capita income, and gender equality. Most nations characterized by high degrees of individual and societal security have the highest rates of organic atheism, and conversely, nations characterized by low degrees of individual and societal security have the lowest rates of organic atheism. In some societies, particularly Europe, atheism ! is growing. However, throughout much of the world -- particula! rly nati ons with high birth rates -- atheism is barely discernable. " Climate Change and Peoples of the World Nations Its "The Latitude" - Transatlantic World Review
On known factor is the temperature or climate. The average temperature in the two regions differ by any where from 10 to 20 celsius, with the hotter equatorial regions so poorly disadvantaged as compared to the colder groups in the northen latitudes. Similarly, the inhabitants of the nations in these two regions have over the generations developed two different attitudes towards their endeavours, with the Northern latitude groups evolving to be primary large scale industrial and technological producers and consumers of most of the worlds goods, while the equatorial groups of nations have remained primarily small scale individual substenance producers and poor consumers of the under preferred goods from the Northern latitude. The divergence in these two groups has evolved historically and today the hallmarks are quite evident in the tendencies of the inhabitants in the two groups. It cut across racials lines, national origins, religious practices or even educational levels in the groups. One characteristic difference in the attitude of persons in both groups, is the threshold of persistence in finding answers to problems of daily existence. Whereas on the average, the equatorial groups seems quite content to relent in their quest for such answers on the average, as compared to the Northern groups who often are relentless in their pursuit of excellence in any such endeavours. This individual attitude, though may differ from individual person to the other, and many in the equatorial group may actually out pace a large number of individual persons in the northern group, but collectively the sum total of the lower yield in such characteristics from the equatorial group is quite evident. What is it in these two regions that causes the groups to continue to move in these divergent pathway. No question the equatorial groups are severely disadvantaged, save the intervention of Natures forces, the equatorial group will always be indebted and remain at the mercy of the benevolence of the northen groups. Are there characteristics that can be identified, or is it just the climate that causes the latitude, which over time have its effect on the human function. What is the effect then of the climate change that is causing all the concerns in the world today. Will this usher in a new order of function in the world altogether. Something seems to be happening out there. The forces of the earth existence has so far maintained an order that is quite evident in the pattern of nations as seen in these two groups. The most common denominator at least as known to us writting this article is temperature and climate, if both can be seperated. What does the next 5 years, or 25 years if we can wonder that far even to the next century hold for mankind. Would the climate change usher in a new world order or will the powers beyond our understanding set forth a new order altogether. These are great questions of our times, however it seems very unlikely that any such change will alter the very much established nature of persons and order in these regions of the world. Any such changes as seen in historical records, are often a very slow evolving process, requiring rather large scale catastrophic events like the floods of Noah's days in the bible or Ice age climatic changes that effect huge demographical shifts beyond ordinary calculations. If such changes are on the way, with this wave of climate change, the peoples of the nations of the world should be ready for some real change. Pope calls for Easter Day peace Thousands of pilgrims packed into a rain-soaked St Peter's Square in Rome to hear Pope Benedict XVI give his Easter address.
'Tormented' Driving rain did not deter thousands of pilgrims and tourists from crowding into St Peter's Square to hear the Pope's Easter Mass and, later, his traditional "urbi et orbi" ("to the city and the world") blessing. "How can we fail to remember certain African regions, such as Darfur and Somalia, the tormented Middle East, especially the Holy Land, Iraq, Lebanon and finally Tibet, all of which I encourage to seek solutions that will safeguard peace and the common good," the Pope said.He said he wished that "the light that streams forth from this solemn day [may] shine forth in every part of the world". He then offered greetings in 63 languages for Easter, the holiest festival in the Christian calendar. On Saturday, the journalist Mr Allam was one of a group of adult converts to Roman Catholicism who was baptised by the Pope. Mr Allam has been an outspoken critic of Muslim militancy and a strong supporter of Israel. He says such views have provoked threats on his life, and he is now protected by a police escort. Muslim relations His baptism, which took place in St Peter's Basilica, was kept secret by the Vatican, until just before the vigil mass.The Pope traditionally baptises newborns on 1 January and adult converts to Catholicism on Easter eve.Improving relations with the Muslim world is one of the Vatican's key priorities at the moment, says the BBC's David Willey in Rome.Later this year the Pope will be hosting an unprecedented meeting at the Vatican with Muslim religious leaders from around the world to try to find common ground for future interreligious dialogue, he says. Priest sent off in unholy row footballing priest from Burkina Faso has been sent off in a church tournament for throwing his shirt at the referee in Italy.
Nigeria governor denies cult link The governor of a south east Nigerian state has denied being involved in a secret ritual that was filmed and uploaded onto the internet.
'Christian' Many Nigerians hold on to their traditional beliefs in addition to being Muslim or Christian.But Mr Orji told the BBC's Network Africa programme he was not a member of a secret cult."I am a Christian by birth, my father owns a church. I cannot go to my father's church and be a member of a cult," he said. "You can do anything with a computer these days," he added. He said the accusations were part of a plot to run him out of politics.Mr Orji won his election in Abia state with 82% of the vote, but he was in jail at the time.He was accused of complicity with his boss, former governor Orji Kalu, who is now facing corruption charges.Last month an election tribunal overturned Mr Orji's election, saying he had not resigned his post as required before the poll.But he remains governor pending an appeal."They are trying to heap all the crimes of the world upon my head," Mr Orji said. 'Human sacrifice' In 2004, 33 bodies were discovered at a shrine in Okija, Anambra state.Many were missing body parts, hands heads and genitals, believed to have been used in rituals.30 men were arrested, but nobody was tried.The police said they suspected the victims had been murdered, but the arrested men said the bodies had been brought to the shrine by their families.They claimed the men had died in accidents, killed by spirits after breaking agreements made at the shrine.Mr Orji told the BBC shrines were common all over Nigeria"It is where people go to settle scores and land disputes," he said.It is not the first time a politician has been filmed in this way.In 2003 Anambra governor Chris Ngige was filmed participating in a shrine ritual.He did not deny the charges and said he had gone along with the ritual because he was being blackmailed, but had no intention of sticking to the deal. New Nigerian church There has been a boom in the number of new Pentecostal churches in Nigeria in recent years.
Asked why he is called a prophet, he says: "They call me many names." Abysmal health service Worshippers carry hand-made signs advertising their ailments, including evil spirits and stubbornness.During "healing", men and women fall to the ground, or more often vomit.Helpers stand by with sand and soapy water to clean up. Many claim to be healed, but it is difficult to verify given that one reason miracle cures are popular is because of the abysmal state of Nigeria's health system.Last year, the government banned the televising of "fake" miracles. Fake waterfall The church was constructed last year, with donations [money can be given online] and tithes [10% of worshippers' income] along with the congregation's labour.It is a long two-tiered building with a gallery and a raised stage where TB Joshua delivers his sermons.In the centre of the church a fake waterfall runs over false rocks into a "baptismal" swimming pool. Video wealth The church makes money partly through "miracle" videos, sold online or outside the Synagogue.A video costs 400 naira ($3) and claims are made that it can cure specific ailments.The faithful believe that simply watching a video can heal.A crew of cameramen follow TB Joshua throughout the Sunday service.It is difficult to judge TB Joshua's wealth, although pastors in some of the new Pentecostal churches live in great luxury. One even has a Gulf Stream Jet. 'Not a cult' "Disciples" and "junior prophets" live at the church. About 80 people share two dormitories.Almost half the disciples are foreigners. Dave, 23, left, comes from the UK and turned down a place at university to move to Lagos. He says that his friends back in England, "see how God has changed my life [and] understand this cannot be a cult". Disciples stay close to visiting journalists, and refer to TB Joshua in adulatory terms, as "The Man of God". Business skills The Synagogue's Sunday school also has classes for toddlers. Many Pentecostal churches have set up schools and universities, often focusing on business skills.They fill a gap created by Nigeria's failing education system.TB Joshua says he plans to open a school in the future.There is also a separate section for several hundred nursing mothers, some of whom claim their children were born as the result of miracles. Musical attraction Throughout the service a church choir performs on the stage.The music becomes livelier as the morning goes on.The congregation gets up and dances, the women waving handkerchiefs over their heads, the old men twisting happily. These two singers are members of a popular Nigerian band, KC Presh. They say one of the reasons they are attracted to the church is because of the music.B Joshua leads around 10,000 worshippers in loud and intense prayer. Worshippers rock back and forth. Then come the prophecies and finally the offerings, which are put into dustbin-sized containers.Finally, after five hours, the service ends. U.S.: Senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader held
Khalid al-Mashadani was seized in Mosul, the U.S. military says. Khalid al-Mashadani, an Iraqi also known as Abu Shahed, was seized on July 4 in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul and is in coalition custody, the military said. "He served as the al Qaeda media emir for Baghdad and then was appointed the media emir for all of Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, who briefed reporters. He is believed to be the most senior Iraqi in al Qaeda in Iraq. During interrogations, al-Mashadani shed light on the workings of al Qaeda in Iraq and its connection with al Qaeda outside of Iraq, Bergner said. "In fact, communication between senior al Qaeda leadership and al-Masri frequently went through al-Mashadani," Bergner said. Bergner said al-Mashadani co-founded an organization "in cyberspace" called the Islamic State of Iraq, which he referred to as a "marketing" effort to create a Taliban-like state in Iraq. ( Watch Bergner's briefing to reporters ») Al-Mashadani also shed light on the Islamic State of Iraq, the so-called umbrella group of Iraqi insurgents that includes al Qaeda in Iraq. That group has claimed responsibility for many terrorist attacks. But Bergner said that al-Mashadani passed on the information that the creation of the group was a ruse to cast itself as home-grown, when in fact it is led by foreigners. It went so far as to create a fictional political head of Islamic State of Iraq, Omar al-Baghdadi and an actor was used to portray him. Bergner said Islamic State of Iraq is "a front organization" for al Qaeda in Iraq and a "pseudonym" for it as well. "It is really being controlled, directed and guided by al Qaeda in Iraq leadership." Bergner also said al-Mashadani was a leader in the Ansar al Sunna terrorist group before joining al Qaeda in Iraq two-and-a-half-years ago. What the U.S. military has learned from al-Mashadani and other operatives they've seized is that "there is a flow of strategic direction, of prioritization of messaging and other guidance that comes from al Qaeda senior leadership to the al Qaeda in Iraq leadership," Bergner said. Bergner emphasizes that that there is a "clear connection between al Qaeda in Iraq and al Qaeda senior leadership outside Iraq." The arrest of al-Mashadani was announced amid controversy over President Bush's contention that al Qaeda and al Qaeda in Iraq are one and the same. The evidence has been not been significant about the extent of the relationship. But a new U.S. government intelligence analysis released Tuesday said al Qaeda's terrorist activities in Iraq not only serve to bolster the group and recruit more members, but may also be the nexus for another planned attack on U.S. soil. The declassified portion of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) warns of "a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years" from Islamic terrorist groups, namely al Qaeda. Al Qaeda is increasing its efforts to get operatives into the United States for an attack and has nearly all the capabilities it needs to carry out such a mission, according to the report, which represents the combined analyses of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies Pope Condemn Growing Gap Between Rich and Poor, Worries About Church Exodus TTimes World Report The Pope condemned the growing gap between rich and poor in South America and other parts of the world. The catholic Church will consider its reach in Latin America, which has lost millions of faithful to evangelical churches. Earlier, the Pope led an open-air Mass for thousands of Catholics on the final day of his five-day visit to Brazil. In his opening address to the two-week bishops' conference, the Pope attacked unnamed governments in Latin America that he said were "wedded to old-fashioned ideologies which do not correspond to the Christian vision of man and society". He blamed both Marxism and capitalism for social problems in the region, and warned that the worsening gap between rich and poor was causing a loss of dignity through drugs, alcohol "and deceptive illusions of happiness". The Church does not engage in proselytising. Instead, she grows by attraction. "The people of Latin America and the Caribbean have the right to better conditions that are human, free from the threat of hunger and from every form of violence," the Pope said. Benedict urged the bishops to do more to confront the challenges facing the Catholic Church in the region. The issue of attracting or keeping faithful, and the shortage of priests in the region, will be high on the agenda at the conference, which brings together 169 bishops from across Latin America. Earlier on Sunday, an estimated 150,000 pilgrims greeted him as he arrived outside the basilica at Aparecida, south-west of Sao Paulo. He told them that the strength of the Roman Catholic faith had made Latin America a "continent of hope". Speaking outside the Basilica of Our Lady, one of the world's largest cathedrals, the Pope said the Catholic Church would grow by attracting new members, not by proselytising to reluctant audiences. "Not a political ideology, not a social movement, not an economic system." Despite the Pope's optimistic message, reports said the size of the crowds was smaller than the 500,000 that organisers had expected. The rise of evangelical churches and the Vatican's traditional conservative stance on social issues are among the key obstacles to reviving the attraction of the Catholic Church in Latin America, correspondents say. On Friday, the Pope acknowledged that the Church was experiencing "difficult times" in Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic nation. In 2000, 74% of Brazilians were Catholics, compared to 89% in 1980. Many turned to evangelical Protestant faiths, which now make up 15% of the population and that number is growing yearly. At this rate in 10 to 15 years there could be as many protestants as Catholics in Brazil. This same picture is seen in many other Latin american countries. Church of Scientology International’s Human rights education campaign goes global LOS ANGELES, CA — With this week’s unveiling of 30 new TV public service announcements – each illustrating one of the 30 articles of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 17 languages – churches of Scientology around the world in partnership with Youth for Human Rights International (YRHI) are stepping up their grassroots efforts to make human rights an everyday reality. At free public events held on every continent this week, local Scientology churches are releasing the PSAs as part of an expanded campaign to promote the fundamental principles set forth in the Universal Declaration. Each local launch premieres a selection of the PSAs, including "The Right to Life" (Article 3); "Freedom of Assembly" (Article 20); "The Right to Education" (Article 26); "A Free and Fair World" (Article 28); and "Our Responsibilities" (Article 29). Some 450 actors and actresses appear in the messages. The time and effort involved in shoots was equivalent to what it takes to shoot a full, feature-length film. Five months of postproduction followed and, in the end, the 30 PSAs were produced – start of scripting to finish – in seven months. This grassroots campaign is inspired by the words of Scientology founder and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, who wrote, "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream." The need for broad-scale human rights education could not be more urgent. Across the globe today, 100 million children are living on the street, and 115 million primary school-aged youth are out of school. Through these audio-visual presentations and other educational tools, the Church of Scientology International’s Human Rights Department and YHRI seek to reach millions of people to raise awareness and bring about global change. "The release of these PSAs constitutes a breakthrough for the teaching, preservation and advancement of human rights for all people everywhere," said Church of Scientology International human rights director, Leisa Goodman. The new PSAs are a unique educational tool in part inspired by YHRI’s award-winning United music video (TXL Films). United has won 12 film festival awards, including the International Gandhi Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain. "The PSAs are something entirely new," said Taron Lexton, the 22-year old director of United and the new PSAs. "They bring to life the very human rights you actually have right now." For more information on the Church of Scientology International’s human rights campaign, call the Church of Scientology International’s Human Rights Department at (323) 960-3500. For information on Youth for Human Rights International, call (323) 663-5799 or email news@youthforhumanrights.org. To view sample PSAs and the United video, visit www.youthforhumanrights.org. |
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