Why Aren’t More Americans Atheists?
In Politico Magazine, Nick Spencer addresses why so few Americans are atheists. He argues that while many assume that atheism is a product of scientific advances—and the U.S., Spencer notes, is the most scientifically advanced nation in human history—this is inaccurate. “In reality, the growth of atheism in Europe and America has much more to do with politics and, in particular, ecclesiastically backed politics, than it has with science,” he writes. In theo-politically “asphyxiated” nations, skeptics became nonbelievers in political opposition, and in more tolerant societies, religion flourished alongside scientific discovery.