(June 13, 2012 at 4:22 pm)Epimethean Wrote: Are you that much of a slave to statistics? If so, why do you argue against the compelling evidence that Catholicism is in decline in developed countries, and the very real significance that has for your cult? It seems most of your refutations begin with a claim to not having heard the point made or not being aware of such a thing after all. If a study is flawed, it is flawed. Perhaps your indoctrination has removed your ability to be skeptical, Aiza.
Hmm....? I argued no such thing, I just thought it was very funny that they would then try to say that the Catholic religion is in its "death throes". I know the significance it has probably moreso than anyone here. I live it.
If you think the study is flawed, go ahead and state what was wrong with their methodology of gathering data. Saying "it's wrong because nuh-uh this is stupid!" is just goofy.
Saying something like "atheism is too vague of a term which means different things to different people, the researchers should have been more precise", is probably legitimate, though I'd still say asking someone straight out "what are you?" can yield interesting results about the actual beliefs of the so-called "atheists" in the US.
Mary Immaculate, star of the morning
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
