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Christianity Quote by Sam Harris

“While political affiliation in the united States is not a perfect indicator of religiosity, it is no secret that the 'red [Republican] states' are primarily red due to the overwhelming political influence of conservative Christians. If there were a strong correlation between Christian conservatism…” quote by Sam Harris
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““While political affiliation in the united States is not a perfect indicator of religiosity, it is no secret that the 'red [Republican] states' are primarily red due to the overwhelming political influence of conservative Christians. If there were a strong correlation between Christian conservatism and societal health, we might expect to see some sign of it in red-state America. We don't. Of the twenty-five cities with the lowest rates of violent crime, 62 percent are in 'blue' [Democrat] states, and 38 percent are in 'red' [Republican] states. Of the twenty-five most dangerous cities, 76 percent are in red states, and 24 percent are in blue states. In fact, three of the five most dangerous cities in the U.S. are in the pious state of Texas. The twelve states with the highest rates of burglary are red. Twenty-four of the twenty-nine states with the highest rates of theft are red. Of the twenty-two states with the highest reated or murder, seventeen are red.””

Sam Harris

About This Quote

Source Podcast: Making Sense, 2020

Political affiliation does not reliably predict health outcomes; data shows violent crime correlates more with red states.

In simple terms: Red states have more crime, not because of religion.

Key Takeaway

Consider multiple factors in policy.

Themes

politics health crime statistics

Mood

analytical critical

Type

informative philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • law enforcement
  • community health programs

Key Concepts

sociology public policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What underlying factors drive these differences?
  • How can policy address root causes?
A Different Perspective

Correlation does not imply causation; other variables matter.

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