Why does the very religious US have much higher rates of abortion & teen pregnancy than less religious Europe?
414131
An interesting human trait is to pursue things that are secret or forbidden.  Since US parents tend to keep sexuality hidden from their children and tell them it is wrong/forbidden, it actually results in teens pursuing sex as a way to rebel or develop a self of self different from their parents.  If US society didn't make sex so evil because of religion, teens would not be so interested in it.  It wouldn't be such a big deal.
1029099
I don't think it is saying that any  group is more sexually active. Catholics are opposed to birth control so they are said to have larger families because of it.
348412
The USA was established based on Christian Principles, and these have contributed to God's blessing it so much in the past (resulting in the high standard of living).\n\nThis high standard of living attracts people from all around the world.\n\nNow however, as the USA has moved away from Christianity, its greatness is decreasing. And with time it is likely to not be as attractive to people from other countries (but that may be 30 years from now).\n\nPeople pick on US citizens -- sometimes out of envy, sometimes because of scapegoating by leaders in other countries, sometimes because of perceived arrogance...\n\nCordially,\nJohn\nhttp://www.GodSci.org
1021123
I believe it is because so many questions come from USA where most people are religious, go to church and are puzzled by what information they receive there.  Clearly their concerns are not answered by their priest etc.  In Australia only 1% of the population attends church regularly so there is not the concern about religious matters, and therefore not the steady flow of questions of this type
759375
The USA is a sectarian country with a Christian majority. I hope you will be courteous and truthful enough to not add it to any list you might be making up.\n\nThe rather rabid Christians will tell you otherwise, but they hate almost anything that doesn't bow to their ideology and try to claim preeminence in telling others how to live. They also attack personally when they think nobody will oppose their propaganda. The USA will never be a theocracy no matter how badly they need it to fulfill the ego needs.
760906
What the heck is wrong with secular society? You act as if human beings have turned into murderous, thieving mobs and that crime in our cities resembles that of Bagdad.\n\nConsider that religion has not helped in the places it exists. Bagdad is HIGHLY Islamic. Germany was very Christian. The most secular societies in existence today are also, by & large, the most peaceful. In the US, the more religious the population of a state, the higher the divorce rate, out-of-wedlock pregnancy rate, and imprisonment rate.\n\nMoral frameworks stem from rational approaches to community life. Religion teaches "might makes right" by insisting that if you don't follow God's law (set down in an entirely foreign culture), you'll be sent to hell by a God who is totally unanswerable to anyone.
946988
I thought everybody already knew that religion, or the fanatical, misguided practice of it, was the source of violence in the Middle East.  And why do we keep electing religious whackos in this country????  Because a majority of the voting population cast ballots based on their religious beliefs.  So, is this country run by the Christian Church?  It sure feels that way to me.  I am a Republican, but am feeling shut out by the Christian fanaticism.
456772
America is a secular country.  The main religion is the worship of the almighty dollar!\n\nThe United States has no official religion.  In contrast to the United Kingdom, in which the head of state is also head of the established church, the United States has a separation of church and state.  Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitional doctrine.\n\nHowever, Christianity is certainly the majority religion.  The United States has a more actively religious population than many other western democracies, especially the UK.
436612
You can compare 'The United States' with other countries (don't forget that 'America' is one of two continents), and you can compare 'religion in The United States' to 'religion in other countries', but you can't report on 'the difference between America [sic] and other countries [sic] religion' because they aren't the same thing.
2472
I have had this convo many times with people of those backgrounds that believe in it. From what I know they actually have a higher sucess rate than the "normal' marriages... I was shocked because my first thought would be that it doesnt work but then I thought about it and it made sense. \n\nReligions that believe in that sort of thing are quite diffrent from americans in there perspetives on morals and etc... so I think their way of living makes them have better odds.. Now if Americans started doing it I think it would fail greatly.
1101270
"Non-religious" people come in at about fourteen percent, and maybe higher, since not all religious people attend church for religious reasons.\nAnd, of course, since they are a hated minority, some will lie to pollsters about their atheism or agnosticism.
524746
Perhaps it is due to the increased choice people have in belief systems rather than disenchantment with a single religion.\n\nEvery generation has considered the following generation and their environment to be less respectful, less moral etc etc\n\nPeace out
432686
The "intelligent design" bandwagon is rolling towards the UK too!\n\nIn direct contrast to the US, we have compulsory school prayer and compulsory religious education, which is probably why we have one of the lowest rates of church going in Christendom (much lower than the US)!\n\nGiven that we have religious education as a school subject compulsory for all students, it seems pretty obvious to me that religious creation myths should be taught in religious education and evolution should be taught in science.  To mix the two would be to confuse the nature of science and religion (the "how" and the "why").\n\nIn the US, you don't have religious education taught in schools, and I think this is why you have more of a problem.  Not teaching children about religion leaves a great many things unexplained!
1122907
I think some people vote with their religion because if they are truly religious, their religion gives them the values they believe in. You are generalizing in saying that 'most people' vote according to abortion and the death penalty. Some people do because they feel they are important topics in their lives. Some people vote according to their economic interests because that is important to them. Some people vote according to their environmental beliefs, because that is important to them. A person's beliefs, whether they are religious or otherwise, make up who they are. Perhaps that's why people sometimes use their religion as a base for their voting habits.
36802
Religion has nothing to do with it.  Society is fully aware of the risks and downtrodden effects of a culture that embraces homosexuality as a state of normalness.  Many cultures have embraced it as a norm in the past and the outcome is to say the least, always less than desirable.\n\nTheoretically to be a productive citizen within your country one must get married and have at the LEAST two children to replace both the mother and father after death.  When a society stops doing this the consequences for the said country are many.  Just one would be job force recruitment, a muddling of senior citizens income from the working young, higher percentages of diseases due to anal sex, a lessening of what some of the Christian right call morals, and a dilution of the fundamental vision of where a country is to go in the future.  Many would argue that a well-rounded person is one that is raised in a household with a mom and a dad.  I think most of us would agree and understand that statement.\n\nAs far as the not religious, many polls indicate that at least 80% of Americans relate to calling themselves Christians.\n\nTo finish I will say this, I am a gay man.  I see my friends and what happens to them.  Not all, but many get wrapped up in the club scene with drugs, sex, bath houses and many have ended up with HIV.  For the betterment of my society I will never vote or try and perpetuate a gay life style.\n\nHope this helps.
768895
Mainly because of religion, probably. Sad, huh?
416158
good question !\n\nEuropeans have a more healthy view towards sexuality and the human body maybe ??\n\nIt is a bit of a chicken and egg question....Americans can be so prudish....but ask the most intimate questions too ! The "forbidden fruit" syndrome ? sometimes it reminds me of teenagers who sleep around a lot because they are not supposed to and then think it is "cool"..whilst their parents, their church tell them to be "nice and proper"..Old puritanism coming from Britain I would say.\n\nThe US is the largest exporter now of porn but is the first to frown upon it..go figure out that one !\n\nHave you noticed how many questions there are about "will you wait till marriage to have sex".......would not even be mentioned in Europe ! And so many people answer "yes.."..Totally unthinkable in Europe where everybody of course has sexual relationships before marriage..\n\nIt is a mixture of puritanism and hence the fascination and sometimes an obsession...\n\nLike so many ask here about God and Bible etc..would you see that in Europe ?? Nahhh...but the vast majority here of answerers and questioners are Americans.\n\nI don't care.......I don't answer the sex questions. It is personal......but I never freaked out in Amsterdam or Pigalle, Hanover either..different mentality..\n\nA good one if you understand French.\n\n"Brêves de comptoir : le naturisme , sur le dépliant c'est toujours des filles à poil, mais quand tu y es, y'a q' des retraités de la SNCF"..\n:-)\n\nEven that old myth about British being prude and all....certainly not true !!\n\nAbout 5 years ago, on a morning talk show there was a discussion about testicular cancer and how to detect it. So a guy came naked and let himself got examined - close view - by a doctor.....can you imagine that in North America ??\n\nI think it is all about taboos..When one subject is deemed to be "taboo or dirty"..hence the fascination. When it is not....the interest decreases...or gets more serious if you want..\n\nMy humble thoughts...