Decline of Religion in High-income/Developed/First World countries

[ShyGuyInChicago]

There is a decline of religion in the First World/Developed/High Income Countries that have sizable numbers of atheists and agnostics or people who at least don't belong to religions include Western Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Even people who profess religious membership do not regularly attend religious services America is an exception in that secularization has not happened to the same extent Why do you think that is?

[Amnesiac]

Western nations have compulsory education. Because of this, kids and young adults learn more than their non-developed international counterparts and are exposed to different theories, especially in the area of science. This, combined with freedom of expression allowing alternate viewpoints to pierce the public arena, makes people doubtful of religion and eventually give it up altogether.

The United States simply adapted to the modern world differently than other nations, partly because of its large population and independent attitude.

[Jess]

Western nations have compulsory education. Because of this, kids and young adults learn more than their non-developed international counterparts and are exposed to different theories, especially in the area of science. This, combined with freedom of expression allowing alternate viewpoints to pierce the public arena, makes people doubtful of religion and eventually give it up altogether.

The United States simply adapted to the modern world differently than other nations, partly because of its large population and independent attitude.

This :yes:

[chazzrox2]

I believe it hasn't declined in America to such an extent in other "Western" countries becuase of two things:
1. There are still large amounts of poverty or atleast very low-income areas in America, like the loss of mines in the UK, America has lost important industry essential to many particularly in the south and north-west. This empoverishment leads people to the church and beleif in general, perhaps as a way to "get through it", or simply to try to find salvation.
2. America was built basically from escapees of religous prosecution, controversial Christianity prospered in the New World as there was nothing to stop it, unless you count the Native Americans which were quickly dealt with, even their gods are not remembered.

[Continuum]

Japan isn't really religious, even before they were modernized. Some of their beliefs are mostly tied to their government; especially to their emperor, who was often regarded as descendants of gods (well, they're the leader of the great celestial empire of the sun :D).

Most of America's religion hasn't declined, yet. Most of western Europe's religion begin to fade into the darkness, partly because most of the people there are thoroughly satisfied in life. High income, education, health care and liberty (being too free in a sense that you could do whatever you want with your life, as long as its within the law) affects it. I call them celestial beings, they're enlightened waaay before others did. America will get to that point however, albeit everyone will, as long as there's sufficient education and well being.