Now we know why irrational ideas, like religious belief, can spread through a population.
Maybe knowledge of this could help us spread rationality for a change.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have found that when just 10 percent of the population holds an unshakable belief, their belief will always be adopted by the majority of the society. The scientists, who are members of the Social Cognitive Networks Academic Research Center (SCNARC) at Rensselaer, used computational and analytical methods to discover the tipping point where a minority belief becomes the majority opinion. The finding has implications for the study and influence of societal interactions ranging from the spread of innovations to the movement of political ideals.
http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-minority-scientists-ideas.html
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Permalink Reply by Tom Williams on July 25, 2011 at 7:09pm The interesting question to me is if its 10% Atheists vs 10% Christians who is going to win!! Maybe the Atheists just aren't outspoken enough!
Although this study could show how political attitudes and the like could be changed by a strong minded 10% of people, it specifically states that in the models they used that the other 90% are open minded - Most Christians aren't open minded about there religion even if they are about other things like politics.
If Christians were open minded there wouldn't be many left by now!! lol.
Thanks for the article, an interesting study.
Permalink Reply by Addison Ling on July 25, 2011 at 8:04pm
Permalink Reply by Will Faithless Sophia on July 25, 2011 at 10:18pm
Permalink Reply by Will Faithless Sophia on July 25, 2011 at 10:17pm
Permalink Reply by Tom Sarbeck on July 26, 2011 at 12:28am Have some skepticism.
First, it was a computer model. Tweak the right constant and it will reach any desired conclusion.
Second, every belief starts with under 10% support. This model says such a belief must die.
Third, how long does a belief take to get from 10% support to 50% plus one support? Let's do a study.
Fourth, how long does a study take to get funding for real world testing? Let's do a study.
Who will bring a fifth?
Permalink Reply by G Smith on August 8, 2011 at 6:53pm I think that we can help get the word out by supporting young atheists who've found a voice on YouTube.
They need more views, supportive comments, and thumbs-up on their uploaded videos. Suggestions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpMjs75pgK4&feature=channel_vide...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epSF8hDDwag&feature=channel_vide...
(That second link is also a one-click poll on whether prayer works or not.)
A third video, which is a supportive motivator for young atheists who are a bit shy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cVIsJxhk_g
Permalink Reply by G Smith on August 8, 2011 at 7:16pm Chris Breman Online
Stuart M Rees Online

Richard Haynes Online

Loren Miller Online

Posted by Larry Taylor on May 20, 2013 at 8:15pm 2 Comments 0 Likes
OK. I am venting. My mother died two weeks ago. She was a “god fearing christian.” Before her death she refused all medical treatment. She wanted to be left alone. She even refused to speak with my brother who is a methodist minister. He is a pip, let me tell you! I suspect she did not believe, but a woman born in her time could not and did not state her actual beliefs. This is the opening salvo to all christians; FUCK YOU! I had so many people come and tell…
ContinuePosted by Christy Stewart on May 20, 2013 at 2:17pm 6 Comments 0 Likes
This probably should not have shocked me as much as it did (especially since I am in Texas). I actually thought my coworkers were playing a joke on me because they know I am an atheist. Sadly, this was no joke. This actually happened.
I work in a psychiatric hospital. The doctors who admit patients are general MDs. (Psychiatrists see patients after admission) Yesterday evening we received several calls from irate parents. A new doctor who was doing admissions yesterday actually…
ContinuePosted by Debra Stevenson on May 20, 2013 at 1:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
What do you think of this,
Nathan Young,
No Jason Torpy it is you that should be banned for promoting atheism, a belief that has no foundation in reality and zero proof behind it. The letter was a mockery of your atheist beliefs. I request to the board here that they remove Jason for his unverifiable beliefs in atheism for which he has no proof other than his arrogance. The letter was a mockery of atheism. Atheism is stupid and it should be mocked and it…
ContinuePosted by Debra Stevenson on May 20, 2013 at 12:42pm 2 Comments 0 Likes
What do you think of this Facebook comment?
Nathan Young to Jason Torpy,
for once you and I can agree on something. We should disrespect beliefs that are untenable such as the belief that there is no God. Indeed for me to respect you Jason, I cannot respect your belief in non-belief in atheism. Your atheism comes across as arrogrance, smugness, and self righteous. Indeed after reading "An Open Letter to My Religious Friends" I penned one…
ContinueAdded by Loren Miller 0 Comments 1 Like
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