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Nearly half of Americans uncertain God exists: poll
AFP ^ | 10/31/06

Posted on 11/01/2006 7:56:52 AM PST by presidio9

Nearly half of Americans are not sure God exists, according to a poll that also found divisions among the public on whether God is male or female or whether God has a human form and has control over events. The survey conducted by Harris Poll found that 42 percent of US adults are not "absolutely certain" there is a God compared to 34 percent who felt that way when asked the same question three years ago.

Among the various religious groups, 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews said they are "absolutely certain" there is a God while 93 percent of Christians who describe themselves as "Born Again" feel certain God exists.

When questioned on whether God is male or female, 36 percent of respondents said they think God is male, 37 percent said neither male nor female and 10 percent said "both male and female."

Only one percent think of God as a female, according to the poll.

Asked whether God has a human form, 41 percent said they think of God as "a spirit or power than can take on human form but is not inherently human."

As to whether God controls events on Earth, 29 percent believe that to be the case while 44 percent said God "observes but does not control what happens on Earth".

The survey was conducted online between October 4 and 10 among 2,010 US adults.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Philosophy
KEYWORDS: christianity; godhaters; godlessliberals; moralabsolutes; religion; religionisobsolete; yetanotherstupidpoll
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To: presidio9
64 percent of Catholics

"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth ...."

The 36% that don't believe are CINOs.

81 posted on 11/01/2006 12:36:38 PM PST by al_c
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To: stuartcr

PRECISELY!


82 posted on 11/01/2006 1:17:04 PM PST by Vicomte13 (The Crown is amused.)
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To: Yo-Yo

YO -LMAO!


83 posted on 11/01/2006 2:23:25 PM PST by aumrl (voting against dims - not 4 reps!)
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To: stuartcr
If God truly has a plan for all of us, how is it that He observes, but doesn't control what happens?

I believe that God has a will and he weighs in and doubly so when we pray for him to help us. He has a plan for all of us but at the same time it is up to us whether we follow His plan or go our way. He will not interfere in that free choice. He does his best though to convince us to follow him through love. Thankfully, millions have taken him up on his offer.

84 posted on 11/01/2006 4:57:52 PM PST by pray4liberty (School District horrors: http://totallyunjust.tripod.com)
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To: presidio9

Perhaps those who believe in God did not or would not take the poll. They have better ways to use their time.


85 posted on 11/01/2006 5:07:25 PM PST by jmcenanly
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To: Vicomte13

That's why it's called faith. A more appropriate question woul be "do you believe in God?" But that doesn't fit the agenda of the poll taker.


86 posted on 11/01/2006 5:12:21 PM PST by jwalsh07 (Jhengis Johnny was against an apology before he was for it.)
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To: WKB

Bump your sentiments.


You are correct.


87 posted on 11/01/2006 7:29:16 PM PST by dixiechick2000 (There ought to be one day-- just one-- when there is open season on senators. ~~ Will Rogers)
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To: Vicomte13

Thanks for your thoughtful reply!


88 posted on 11/01/2006 10:56:36 PM PST by raftguide
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To: pray4liberty

If God knows what our choices are going to be before we do, then isn't everything we do part of His plan? We can't possibly not do what He knows we are going to do, because God is never wrong. He created us knowing what we are going to do, didn't He?


89 posted on 11/02/2006 5:35:28 AM PST by stuartcr (Everything happens as God wants it to.....otherwise, things would be different.)
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To: stuartcr

Before God created the Heavens and the Earth, He was busy creating Hell for people who ask questions like that!


90 posted on 11/02/2006 12:01:01 PM PST by Vicomte13 (The Crown is amused.)
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To: Vicomte13

I assume you're joking...besides, God knew I was going to ask it, and He certainly wouldn't send someone to hell for doing that which He created him to do, would He?


91 posted on 11/02/2006 12:55:55 PM PST by stuartcr (Everything happens as God wants it to.....otherwise, things would be different.)
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To: stuartcr

You mean, like play with one's self, for instance?


92 posted on 11/02/2006 1:03:23 PM PST by Vicomte13 (The Crown is amused.)
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To: presidio9

I think this is either a phony poll or a push poll. It cannot be accurate.


93 posted on 11/02/2006 1:08:44 PM PST by Gumdrop
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To: Vicomte13

A good example...we should all certainly hope not, or hell would be a very crowded place..


94 posted on 11/02/2006 1:12:25 PM PST by stuartcr (Everything happens as God wants it to.....otherwise, things would be different.)
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To: stuartcr

This is the Catholic "hook" for the sacrament of Confession, and the need for ongoing, continuous association with the organized Church, priests, etc.
It's worked well for 2000 years, precisely because it's such a spontaneously occurring sin among teens, who all know it's a sin immediately - every one of them hides it from the instant of discovery, without being taught to do so. That's knowledge of sin.
And therefore need of redemption.
And therefore need of the sacrament of Confession, often.


95 posted on 11/02/2006 1:20:56 PM PST by Vicomte13 (The Crown is amused.)
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To: Vicomte13

You really believe it is a sin? Maybe people hide it out of embarrassment, sort of like using the toilet or having sex in front of people.


96 posted on 11/02/2006 4:15:38 PM PST by stuartcr (Everything happens as God wants it to.....otherwise, things would be different.)
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To: stuartcr
Why ask me? I'm not God. Ask Him what he created you for...you might be surprised at the answer.

In the meantime, The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren might be a good place to start reading.

97 posted on 11/02/2006 7:09:44 PM PST by pray4liberty (School District horrors: http://totallyunjust.tripod.com)
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To: stuartcr

Of course it's a sin.
I have never had the slightest doubt.
Consider the thoughts associated therewith: adulterous and fornication.
It's the Devil grabbing hold.
Nobody is without sin, and that's one of the sins nobody is without.


98 posted on 11/02/2006 7:10:11 PM PST by Vicomte13 (The Crown is amused.)
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To: stuartcr
Click on this, too:

http://www.oneplace.com/Ministries/In_Touch

99 posted on 11/02/2006 7:25:25 PM PST by pray4liberty (School District horrors: http://totallyunjust.tripod.com)
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To: pray4liberty

I was asking for your opinion, not a definitive answer. If you can't answer, just say so.


100 posted on 11/03/2006 5:54:14 AM PST by stuartcr (Everything happens as God wants it to.....otherwise, things would be different.)
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