Does Atheism Have a Lower Retention Rate Than Theism?

One recurrent question in discussions about religion versus atheism revolves around the retention rates between believers and non-believers. Some argue that atheism has a lower retention rate, often citing studies that compare religious and non-religious individuals. However, this perspective is often based on flawed or selectively interpreted statistics. Let's delve into the nuances of these claims to better understand the current state of religious and non-religious belief in societies like New Zealand.

Individual Perspectives

As someone who has been an atheist for over two decades, I can attest to the lack of an established governing body or structured retention practices. Unlike theism, which often involves organized churches and religious institutions, atheism is more fragmented. There is no 'athismatic' organization similar to the Church of England or the Catholic Church to ensure lifelong adherence. Consequently, those who identify as atheists may change their beliefs throughout their lives. For instance, I used to be part of a club, but due to economic issues, I was contemplating dropping out, only to find that the management was accommodating by restructuring my payment schedule. It made me question the commitment of theists to their beliefs.

The Absence of a Retention Mechanism

From a broader perspective, atheism is not a religion in the traditional sense. There is no deity to 'believe' in, so there is also no requirement to retain a belief. The decision to identify as an atheist is more a declaration of disbelief in deities, and it is entirely personal. If one does not believe in a higher power, they are considered atheist, and if they do, they are theist. The statement of 'retention' is misleading and unnecessarily complex, especially in societies where religious and non-religious beliefs are more fluid.

Growing Secularization in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the trend of religious disaffiliation is quite apparent. According to the latest census data, the percentage of people identifying as non-believers has been steadily increasing, while the proportion of Christians has slightly declined. The figures show that 48% of the population now has no religious affiliation, 38% identify as Christian, and 14% align with other religions or do not provide an answer. This shift suggests a growing trend towards secularization, where people are leaving religious beliefs behind more frequently.

The Invalidity of Retention Rate Claims

The notion of a retention rate for atheism is inherently flawed. It is difficult to quantify due to the fluid nature of beliefs and the absence of structured retention mechanisms. A recent piece of propaganda stated that 60% of atheists raised in atheist households left atheism, while only 0.5% of the population raised as atheists left theism. Such statistics are questionable at best. In reality, the claim that 1.4% of the population became atheist and that the non-atheist population has a retention rate of 98.6% is simply misinformation. These figures are not supported by any credible data.

The Erosion of Religious Belief

While organized theism indeed faces challenges in retaining its followers, the broader trend in many societies is one of diminishing religious belief. This erosion can be attributed to various factors, including advances in science, an increased emphasis on individual rights, and a growing skepticism of religious dogma. Theists often attempt to counter this trend with more religious propaganda, which is both ineffective and disingenuous. In my experience, I know many individuals who have transitioned from religious to non-religious beliefs, but I have yet to meet anyone who has shifted from atheism back to religious belief.

Conclusion

The idea that atheism has a lower retention rate than theism is based on a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of data. The trend towards secularization in societies like New Zealand, combined with the lack of structured retention mechanisms in atheism, makes any claims of high retention for theists or low retention for atheists fundamentally flawed. As we move forward, it is essential to base our understanding on accurate and verifiable data rather than sensationalist claims.