“BESTSELLING books by the likes of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens notwithstanding, Canadians remain remarkably pro-God and pro-organized religion.”

Thus stated a University of Lethbridge press release last month, announcing the latest findings of one of its sociologists – widely respected author Reginald W. Bibby.

According to the statement, atheists constitute “a rare species”; an estimated 85 percent of Canadians “continue to have a religion, and attend services at least occasionally.”

Bibby’s summary report, Nevers, Nones and Nots, claims   “only seven percent of Canadians are self-proclaimed atheists, essentially unchanged from 1975.”

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The study also asserts that “belief in God persists, even when people don’t attend services or claim to have a religion.” As Bibby puts it, “Nevers and Nones are seldom Nots.”

Further, the study indicates that age and education level are not significant factors. However, it concludes that atheism is “marginally more prevalent among males”; and that there is “slightly more” in B.C. than in other provinces.

The study spotlights significant issues. Canadian atheists “do not discount the ideal of some kind of ultimate justice existing.” A quarter of atheists polled admit “they have spiritual needs – although they are inclined to conceptualize spirituality in highly personal and subjective ways.” Finally, 19 percent “are open to greater involvement in religious groups, if they could find it to be worthwhile for themselves or their families.”  Contact: reginaldbibby.com                 – DFD

September 2007