The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measure of the quality of life in a country.
Gallup poll compiled a ranking in 2009 of the most to least religious countries.
When I looked at the two, I noticed a trend. Some of the worst places on the planet, as measured by HDI were also some of the most religious places.
The US seems to be the obvious exception to the rule, but if you look closely at the US, you see the trend reflected there as well. The most religious states are also the poorest states.
Wow, yeah that is interesting. I think I already suspected as much.
On a side note, I assume you will be at MTA? We will be with the 1st Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment, so if things get a little too conservative for you, come hang out with us.
Hey Marc, sure thing, might have to do that :-p But regardless I’ll try and stop by to say “hi”.
–GP
Of course, I’m sure you are well aware of the fallacy inherent in assuming that cause and effect flows from religion to misery. It is equally likely that the arrow goes the other way, and people whose lives suck turn to religion for answers they aren’t finding elsewhere.
In fact, there is a long historical tradition of using religion to pacify the disenfranchised.
“Opiate of the masses” was the term, as I recall…
Carl
Carl, good points. Yeah, I’m not saying this proves religion makes the world suck, you’re right that it could very well be the other way around. I just thought it was an interesting correlation.
Places that are hopeless pray for hope.
China proves to be an atheist is so waw as being of any other religion.