Posted on 10/18/2005 8:22:58 AM PDT by ConservativeStatement
Identifying communities of frequent churchgoers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Jonathan Gruber found higher incomes and education levels and less welfare participation, along with more marriages and fewer divorces than in the general population.
Comparing national statistics on religion and income, Gruber found higher income and education levels in communities densely populated by a particular religion. In communities where the church attendance rate was double that of the general population, incomes were 9 percent higher, for example.
(Excerpt) Read more at sun-sentinel.com ...
But, but...the democRATS are smarter, more caring & know what's best for everyone!
CS Lewis will also affirm that those who study Christianity will become more and more intelligent as their ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood becomes more accurate.
Faith promotes responsibility, sound judgement and discernment. It also promotes humility and an attitude of serving others, as opposed to selfish ambition and motives.
Those who understand those concepts can better manage their household - be it financial or in relationships.
The Lord blesses them.
I'd like to offer another theory: the smarter and more inquisitive people are, the more likely they are to understand (and therefore accept) the truths of the faith. I know this, in some way, goes against the truths that earthly wisdom is not needed for salvation and that one must be like a child to enter the kingdom, but I don't think it contradicts these truths. Stupidity can certainly contribute to the inability to accept Jesus.
Its simple... nothing in this world belongs to us, it belongs to the man upstairs... and we are merely caretakers... those who take care of it better tend to be granted more to take care of.
Religion is not some anathema, its a collection of thousands of years of human experience and history, as well as divine guidance and providence. Those who tend to accept the wisdom of the ages, and the Grace of God tend to live better, more fulfilling and successful lives.
But I thought religious folks were ignorant knuckle-draggers who use religion as an emotional crutch. Have we all been misinformed? </sarcasm>
I cannot understand why people who attend Mass or Church every week to learn about God, faith and morals from their Priest or Minister would be better off in this world...It is simply unfathomable...-sarcasm
along with more marriages and fewer divorces than in the general population
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That says it all. One parent families are poorer than two parent families. Has been, is now and will be, so the general population will trail as long as the church promotes marriage between a man and woman.
Sort of like the dems wondering why they are in decline as they promote abortion. Less kids, less voters. But they will still have the dead vote. Lots of them around.
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Opinions on this?
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I'd be interested if they did the same study on the ethnic group that seems to be the most susceptible to poverty and illegitimate birth in our society ( in the interest of avoiding the fate of Bill Bennet, I won't name the group, but you know what I'm refering to ).
If the same results can be reproduced, then WE KNOW THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF DIVORCE, ILLEGITIMACY and POVERTY because of the high correlation.
But will the liberal elites accept the results ? Not holding my breath.
But first, lets have the study ON THE SPECIFIC ETHNIC GROUP.
bttt
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I would say this is a no-brainer.
Don't forget arrogance and pride which go together hand in hand with stupidity...
How about the black churchgoers? Are they also wealthier, less likely to divorce, and better educated? I wonder if he controls for ethnicities.
Same question I asked in post #12.
Church pays.
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