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New research shows God-believing ‘nones’ align more closely with religious Americans

A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that God-believing religious nones are more likely to hold conservative views than other nones. They tend to support school prayer, the death penalty, and anti-abortion laws, while opposing increased spending on welfare and education.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalSociology of Religion·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 11, 2026

Religious people are not more generous – with one exception

A study published in Judgment and Decision Making found that religious believers give more to those of the same faith, while atheists also favor their own group. In follow-up studies in the USA and Egypt/Lebanon, Muslims were more generous towards their own kind than Christians or atheists.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJudgment and Decision Making·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2024
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Spirituality linked with better health outcomes, patient care

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that incorporating spirituality into care can lead to healthier lives, including greater longevity and quality of life. The researchers recommend increasing awareness among clinicians about the protective benefits of spiritual community particip...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Muslims, atheists more likely to face religious discrimination in US

A study by the University of Washington found that US public schools display bias towards Muslim and atheist students, with a 5-13% lower response rate compared to Christian students. The researchers suggest that this bias may stem from perceived costs associated with accommodating religious needs.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateSep 22, 2020
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More purple than blue: Religiously unaffiliated vary in political beliefs

New research from University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel reveals the religiously unaffiliated are more varied in their political beliefs than previously believed. Atheists and agnostics tend to be liberal, while a larger conservative group exists within this demographic.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateFeb 18, 2020

Valuing thoughts and prayers

A study involving 482 participants found that Christians value thoughts and prayers from fellow believers, but atheists/agnostics reject Christian prayers. People with non-Christian beliefs are willing to pay to avoid praying with a Christian.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Economists find mixed values of 'thoughts and prayers'

A study by University of Wyoming economists found that Christian hurricane victims value prayers from religious strangers, while atheists and agnostics believe they are worse off. The research suggests that thoughts and prayers should be employed selectively to maximize their impact on recipient welfare.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

Vatican hosts major atheism conference with University of Kent

The global Understanding Unbelief program has found that unbelievers exhibit significant diversity in their worldview. In all six countries surveyed, majorities of unbelievers identify as having 'no religion', challenging common stereotypes. Despite this, most unbelievers endorse objective moral values and human dignity.

SourceUniversity of Kent·DateMay 27, 2019
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Experiences of 'ultimate reality' or 'God' confer lasting benefits to mental health

Researchers found that over two-thirds of atheists shed their label after a transformative experience, and most attributed long-term positive changes in life satisfaction and purpose. The study also revealed vivid memories of the encounter, with many participants reporting communication with a conscious entity and decreased fear of death.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2019

Philosophers ask the big questions about religion

A $1.3 million grant will lead a multi-continent exploration of the epistemology of religion, connecting Latin American philosophers with colleagues from North America and Europe. Scholars from diverse perspectives will engage in discussions on the evidence for religious beliefs and the rationality of traditions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 18, 2019

Atheism might be more common than assumed...but it's complicated

Researchers used an indirect measurement technique to estimate atheism prevalence in the US, finding that it may be as high as 20-35%, which challenges prevailing theories. The study's findings suggest that people may be reluctant to disclose their lack of belief due to stigma, leading to underreported rates.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 16, 2017

Study: We trust in those who believe in God

A new study by University of Houston researchers found that including religion in campaign speeches can increase a candidate's perceived trustworthiness and favorability. The study revealed that atheists face significant challenges in winning public office due to societal biases against non-believers.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateJan 5, 2016

Study: Christians tweet more happily, less analytically than atheists

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that Christians on Twitter use more positive words and engage in less analytical thinking than atheists. The analysis of nearly 2 million tweets also showed that Christians are more likely to tweet about their social relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Reminders of secular authority reduce believers' distrust of atheists

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that reminding people about secular authority decreases their distrust of atheists. The research suggests that when individuals are reminded of the role of government and law in maintaining social order, they become less negative towards atheists.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 18, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God

Research reveals that death anxiety makes atheists more unconsciously receptive to religious beliefs, while religious individuals strengthen their beliefs at both conscious and unconscious levels. This study contributes to understanding why religion endures as a fundamental aspect of human culture.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 1, 2012

Some atheist scientists with children embrace religious traditions, according to new Rice research

According to the study, 17 percent of atheists with children attended a religious service more than once in the past year. Atheist scientists cite scientific identity, spousal influence, and desire for community as reasons for their involvement. They want their children to have choices and expose them to various religious traditions.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateDec 1, 2011

UBC study explores distrust of atheists by believers

A UBC study explores the social psychological processes underlying anti-atheist sentiments, finding that religious believer's distrust is central to prejudice against atheists. The research suggests that outward displays of belief may be viewed as a proxy for trustworthiness, leading to disapproval and mistrust of atheists.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 30, 2011
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

More than 20 percent of atheist scientists are spiritual

A new study from Rice University found that 72 scientists, many of whom identify as atheist, possess a spirituality consistent with science. These 'spiritual atheist' scientists believe in a core sense of truth generated by their work as scientists, and see both science and spirituality as meaning-making without faith.

SourceRice University·JournalSociology of Religion·DateMay 5, 2011