FOR MANY in Ireland the Catholic Church's recent scandals symbolise the demise of a mighty institution. Insiders worry that the young are being lost forever to the faith. Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens captain a growing atheist movement. Are we on the crest of a new, rational era?
Not quite. Religion seems to be swimming against the tide.
Most people inherit their religion from their parents, so patterns of population are the most radical engine of change. Of the world's population growth, 97 per cent takes place in the poor, religious world.
In 1950, Europe (including the USSR), North America and Australasia comprised about 30 per cent of the world's population. Today these regions account for just 11 per cent of those under the age of 15.
In 1950 there were 2.5 Europeans for every African. By 2050, the UN projects, there will be four Africans for every European.
According to the World Religious Database, the proportion of the world that is religious increased from 81 to 85 per cent between 1970 and 2000, and is projected to rise to 87 per cent by 2025.
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Source: Eric Kaufman, Irish Times
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