Republic of Ireland abandoning religion

[Tank]

Republic of Ireland abandoning religion faster than almost every other country in the world

Republic of Ireland abandoning religion faster than almost every other country in the world

Worldwide, only Vietnam experienced a greater drop in those describing themselves as religious


The Irish commitment to the Catholic religion is fast draining away, according to a new poll which points to a dramatic plunge in those who regard themselves as religious.

Worldwide, only Vietnam experienced a greater drop in those describing themselves as religious in a poll which extended to 57 countries, covering three-quarters of the world's population.

The survey confirms that Ireland, once regarded as particularly devout, has been almost transformed from the days when the Catholic church exercised both political power and strong social influence.

The church's standing has taken a series of severe blows over the last decade, in particular suffering damage from a series of devastating sex abuse scandals. The sense is widespread that it has reacted sluggishly to the revelations and has been more concerned with defending itself rather than with the interests of victims.

The survey showed that those Irish who considered themselves religious had fallen from 69 per cent in 2011 to less than half today. Ireland was ranked seventh in the 57 countries for those describing themselves as convinced atheists...

Things are moving in the right direction.

[AnimatedDirt]

To me this speaks more to the importance of separation of Church and State as this may be the reason for people feeling the need to separate from religion.  But if Vietnam is any indication of the result, I'm happy to also say Ireland is moving in the right direction.

[Tank]

I suspect the poor attitude of the Catholic church to the issue of child abuse by priests is also a serious factor here.

[AnimatedDirt]

I suspect the poor attitude of the Catholic church to the issue of child abuse by priests is also a serious factor here.

No doubt.

[Asmodean]

Yeah yeah... You see, they are sort of in the civilized world. If only some less civilized countries showed the same tendencies, like oh, I don't know, most on the South American continent, not to mention some utterly uncivilized holes like Israel and its muzzie neighbours...

[Sweetdeath]

My Irish side is glowing happily.
This really is great news. If only America would follow suit. 

[jumbojak]

My Irish side is glowing happily.
This really is great news. If only America would follow suit. 

If I have anything to do with it south east virginia should be following right along. It's amazing how once the slide starts the deconversion process gets easier and easier. Hopefully Irelands non-religious community won't lose momentum.