Opinion based. You, me, and not Dupree.

[Skellington]

If evidence comes out, as in Missing link looses its name, do you think there will be a change from follower to non-believer. Yes, some devoute religious will bang at the door that carbon dating isn't accurate.

Not at all. A "missing link" find doesn't so much fill one gap as create two.

 

[KJbushway]

explain please. not trying to say you wrong, just don't know what you mean.

 

[Skellington]

^ Basically I mean that more evidence won't convince people whose worldview isn't based on rationality in the first place. "Faith-based" belief systems can adapt to any evidence shown and just change the goalposts pretty much ad infinitum. If push comes to shove, facts can just be dismissed as a "test of faith".

 

[RJDiogenes]

If it's overwhelming, then present some of that evidence. I still think it's just a change in religion.

I already did. If you want more, Google Medieval religion.

Actually, no, you didn't present anything other than your general opinion, but no evidence. That's fine, I was just trying to understand what you meant and where you were coming from, alas, that won't happen.

Right here:

The information you cite in the poll, aside from that odd bit about atheists, is indicative of my point. 8% do not believe in a god or universal spirit (and do not fear legal retribution for saying so)... only a bare majority, judging from the phrasing, pray on a daily basis... they aren't rigid about their beliefs... tolerance of other religions has increased, even among self-identified conservatives... three quarters believe their religious doctrine is open to interpretation. Compare this to the situation five or six hundred years ago, pre-Renaissance. We live in an increasingly secular society where scientific awareness, to a degree unimaginable in centuries past, has filtered into the public consciousness. The church does not control the state and is not allowed to use the public schools as indoctrination centers. Failure to follow religion attend church regularly or believe in a god is not a criminal offense.

Perhaps. The historical evidence is overwhelming, after all. There used to be formal (enforced) prayer on a daily basis; now most people who identify as religious don't go to church even weekly.

Basically, all you need is an awareness of the History of Western Civilization over the past five hundred years. It's not really obscure or arcane knowledge.