A recent sociology study finds that Canadians who believe in God hold more dearly values such as kindness, politeness, and generosity then do atheists. The lead researcher believes that religious groups may play important role in perpetuating civility.
Reginald Bibby, a prominent sociologist from the University of Lethbridge, Alberta has released earlier this week findings in a study of the importance given to values in Canadian theists and atheists.
The study, which was conducted in late 2005 and interviewed 1,600 individuals across Canada about 12 different social values, found that people seem to gain values through groups. Those who said to believe in God were more likely to be part of a group which promoted positive social values, Bibby concludes.
While religious individuals may not always translate these values into actions, they were more likely to at least hold these values. “Atheists, on the other hand, do not have as many explicit support groups that are committed to intentionally promoting positive interpersonal life,” said a statement on the findings (PDF).
In each case, theist ranked these values (honesty, kindness, family life, being loved, friendship, courtesy, concern for others, forgiveness, politeness, friendliness, patience and generosity) more highly then proclaimed atheists.
Bibby believes that the persistent receding of religious affiliation could cause social problems down the road, leading individuals to forget these essential values.
"If you don't have that as a major source in the culture then what will be the source? I think that's where we've been really superficial ... we've really been underestimating the contribution religious groups can make," said Bibby, quoted in a National Post article.
While he admits that some of these values are carried on through the legacy from previous generations, which held deeper religious views, he also believes that as time passes this legacy dissipates.
"So valuing Grandma also means valuing many of the things important to her. In successive generations you have a lingering effect of morality. But further down the road generations get further removed from the sources of those values. That's where it gets tricky."
Meanwhile, prominent atheists argue that these civil values can be maintained without the pressure or religion. Notably, Professor Richard Dawkins believes morality comes through the altruism gene or the "selfish gene" and that in order to survive civility becomes necessary. It is a way to protect the gene pool.
The National Post quotes Justin Trottier, executive director of the Centre for Inquiry Ontario, a Toronto-based atheist group, who believes that while the results may indicate stronger values in religious people, this survey does not provide much insight.
According to Trottier, the values listed in the survey reflect those inscribed in the Ten Commandments which explain the high importance granted to them by individuals who identify themselves to a religion; leading them to eagerly show enthusiasm in these traditional values.
"To me, scientific thinking is a value. Critical thinking is a value. Open inquiry is my biggest value," said Trottier. "If he made those values - the way atheists would - he would have gotten different responses.
(…)
Religion always does this black-and-white thing. An atheist is a lot more temperate, a bit more hesitant. An atheist might be more nuanced in his or her thinking."
Trottier also argued that atheists can build strong social links and values in other ways. He said his own group, for example, has a sobriety support group, and that many nations that are highly secular do a better job of taking care of their poor than religious ones.
