Study: Atheism Will Overtake Religion by 2041

Nigel Barber, an Irish biopsychologist, predicts that by 2041 atheism will replace religion as the dominant belief -- or lack thereof -- in the world.



Nigel Barber, an Irish biopsychologist, predicts that by 2041 atheism will replace religion as the dominant belief -- or lack thereof -- in the world.

His assertions are based on a study he recently conducted involving 137 countries, the results of which are set to be published in the near future.

The author has said, "atheists are more likely to be college-educated people who live in cities and they are highly concentrated in the social democracies of Europe. Atheism thus blossoms amid influence where people feel economically secure."

He's also noted that religiosity is highest in impoverished areas facing many disasters with low educational opportunities.

He feels that as areas of the world become more stable, they will abandon their traditional beliefs, something that he's found to be the trend elsewhere.

Many disagree with Barber, and for a variety of reasons.

One such person is political scientist Eric Kauffman who pointed out that atheists tend to have fewer children than those who follow a prescribed religion. He posits that the sheer number of those being raised with a faith will secure its survival.