|
BecomingV -> RE: Pastor Joel Osteen (3/7/2014 8:52:05 PM)
|
Statistics are too easily manipulated for me to use them - solely - as a foundation for a position on any topic. However, the world disagrees with me on this point. That said, these are the latest numbers on religious populations in the U.S. from the CIA's World Fact Book.
"Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)"
TinkerHell - your estimate of 16% seems near enough. If you add up the unspecified, etc... it's 18.6%.
Please note that these statistics are 7 years old and isn't it interesting that atheism isn't even listed?
I think that while statistics may reflect a minority, it's important to understand that it's a very flawed information gathering process and allowances should be made for inaccuracies.
To those who think that an objection to tax breaks for religious businesses, by such a tiny minority of atheists, agnostics and rationalists, is insignificant, I suggest you consider this:
Ethnic population of the U.S. - white 79.96%, black 12.85%, Asian 4.43%, Amerindian and Alaska native 0.97%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.18%, two or more races 1.61% (July 2007 estimate)
Hmmm, the black population is about 6% smaller than the atheist population, and we have a black President. Things that make you go, "Hmmm."
The numbers are there. Now it's simply a matter of unity of action.
Also, if you see my post, I took no stand either for, or against, Joel himself. I saw his Oprah interview and he seemed to be trying to do good with his life. Other than that, I have no experience with him. My point is that he's getting flack because he's a rich guy in America with power in both business and government policy-making. Religion and lobbyists are the reason I support ending tax breaks for religious reasons. Any religious reasons.
quote:
ORIGINAL: TinkerHell
quote:
ORIGINAL: BecomingV
He's in a controversial business so he gets some flack. All leaders, all people of power and influence, can count on being chopped to public relations' bits. Even more so, if they are sexual beings. If they innovate, then even more stones are thrown at them.
Joel is a religious leader, the face of a movement, a Christian revolution. His ambition put him in that position. No man of such aspirations, and now, accomplishments, walks that path without knowing the risks. I'm sure he is psychologically insulated against "sticks and stones." And, if it creates a need for therapy, his business acumen has afforded him the best health care American dollars can buy.
And, remember, a LOT of Americans are atheists, agnostics and rationalists who don't appreciate tax breaks for those who profess to worship an imaginary friend in the sky.
So, yeah, Joel has detractors.
Actually there are not that many Atheists, Agnostics or sadly rationalists in the United States. If memory serves only 16% of the population identify as Atheists and Agnostics.
It is encouraging that even Evangelical Xtians resent people like Joel Osteen getting tax breaks because he waves the God Flag. If he claimed he was a motivational speaker he'd lose the tax breaks and the moral authority that he needs to run his scam. Frankly, without the "God will multiply your gifts to me" - he's not anywhere near as entertaining as the people behind "The Secret".
|
|
|
|
