Faith

Study: Atheist Children Are Better at Sports Than Any Other ‘Religious’ Group

Atheist Children Are the Best at Sports, According to Swiss StudySports fans who have a religious bent won’t be too happy with a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EHT). According to the university, which is located in Zurich, Switzerland, atheist children are better at sports (i.e. more athletic) than kids who embrace a religion.

To complete the study, 600 first-grade school children in Winterthur, Switzerland were examined. Over a four-year period, researchers looked at their coordination, strength and agility — all measurements that would help to determine their athleticism.

In the end, the researchers at ETH’s Institute for Movement Sciences and Sport took the data they collected and cross-referenced it with the children’s other information — the origin of their parents, their native language and their religion. The results are certainly interesting.

Atheist Children Are the Best at Sports, According to Swiss Study

Among the children, those who had no faith background were found to be the most skilled when it comes to athletics. Following right behind them were Christians (Protestants and Catholics). And at the tail end of the spectrum were Muslim children, who, according to The Local, were below average in their performance.

Interestingly, Muslim girls were particularly unskilled in athletics. This, says Stegan Fritschi, the school’s director, may be based on the fact that Islamic girls are sometimes reluctant to make body contact with other children — something that would clearly be an impediment in the sports world.

Of course, faith wasn’t the only factor impacting performance in sports. Language and socioeconomic status also played into the equation. On the latter front, the more educated a family and the more money it had, the higher performing the associated student was.

It‘s important to note that this is a relatively small sample size and that the research wasn’t done in the United States. Still, it’s interesting to review the results, as it may serve as a solid basis for future research into the impact of personal faith on performance in suports.

(H/T: The Local)

Comments (198)

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  • B-Neil
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:56am

    FIRST: How much of the stimulus money was spent on this research?? Second: Did I or did I not read somewhere how, Blonde Blue eyed Germans, were better at sports then anyone? OK! going back to my cave. CARRY ON McDUFF

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:03pm

      Why is the blaze running this tripe when there are real stories of importance happening. Like the Obama White House sealing all the FAST AND FURIOUS records reguarding Brian Terry’s death. As to not allow the evidence in a trial and protect his cronnies from letigation.
      Why print trash stories when there are real stories?

      Report Post »  
    • akairey
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:37pm

      People! Analyze this better!
      1) This study was done in a mostly non-believing country, therefore majority of the 600 students they did the study on were non-believing so that automatically skews their hypothesis. It‘s like me doing a study of 500 students in rural Nebraska and say white students are better athletes than hispanics when there’s only 10 hispanic students.
      2) WE, the U.S., did NOT pay through the stimulus( I hope) for this study, because it was done by the Swiss.
      3) This was an attack on faith, that’s why it was in the “FAITH SECTION.” So if you don’t care for faith…don’t read and complain in another section that pertains to you.
      4) I did like one part of it though…..muslim students “were particularly unskilled in athletics.” Anyone know of any non-Westernized muslim that is good in ANY sport? Let alone any non-Westernized muslim team in anything? Olympics? Obviously winter olympic sports is out of the question for them.

      Report Post »  
    • KnuckleSangwich
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:55pm

      None, this study was done by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

      And don’t get uptight because a news story is posted that has results you may not particularly like for one reason or another. Can only take so much of the other same stories over and over.

      Report Post »  
    • scheduler
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:26pm

      This is correlation not causation.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • goatrope67
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:39pm

      This was done in Switzerland. So…there was no stimulus money spent on it.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:44pm

      First: None. It was in Switzerland. You might not know your geography, but that’s not in the US.
      Second: Um, what? The study was comparing by religion, not ethnicity or eye-color.

      My bigger issue with the study is that they have “Protestants” as a single group. There are a HUGE number of sects, and they can be very different from each other. Same with Muslims; there could be huge differences between sects. Or even Jews. “Catholic” and “Atheist” are really the only groups with the same belief sets across the range.

      Report Post »  
    • jframo
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:12pm

      The study was done in Switzerland…I don’t think ANY stimulus money was spent on it. READ first.

      Report Post »  
    • greensteam
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:28pm

      some peoples comments are so dumb. some people joke and others just dont get it. some people whine about stories not being news worthy. among the most politically active people in the country are atheists. this is normal in almost every developed country. it is normal to lead to studies like this in a country that is very atheist. if christians were the most politically active i have to believe this study never would have been done.

      Report Post »  
    • crackerone
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:38pm

      I thought they all got a gold medal?

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 3:22pm

      So I guess the NBA,NFL,MLB,WSL,NHL and GPA are full of atheist…….RIGHT
      This story was done in Switzerland. In the land of the blind the one eyed man one armed man is king.
      Do the same study here and see how it turns out.

      Report Post »  
    • Jinglebob
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 3:56pm

      Oh, another university study.

      Report Post » Jinglebob  
    • JohnGalt
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 4:48pm

      Hey come on stimulus money ($528 Million) was given to Fisker who went and spent it on a factory in Finland. There‘s No telling if the US didn’t send them some too.

      Report Post » JohnGalt  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 4:55pm

      I can‘t say that I’m surprised about these findings (although the study was done in Switzerland and not the U.S. I don’t think it makes a difference where the study takes place). We see it here in my hometown, and it can go a step further among those who claim to be Christians. Those who only worship on a limited basis or only on Sunday mornings are probably more athletic because they devote more of their time to athletics than they do the Lord. Even those who go to ball games on Wednesday night instead of going to midweek Bible study will be a little more athletic than those who are at church everytime the doors are open. I don’t think a scientific study is needed to “prove” any of this, it’s just common sense.

      Report Post » scarebear83  
    • gezbo48
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:03pm

      This was in Switzerland. No stimulus was used. I’m sure you think you were being smart.

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:25pm

      Horse-Pooh!

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • the hawk
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:39am

      ********* pEROID !

      Report Post »  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:21am

      With all due respect, anyone with common sense can not take this study seriously. Why would Atheists have an upper hand in athleticism? Beliefs have nothing to do with physical ability. Only mental. And on that note, I would have to say that Believers are more ready to go the distance than Non.

      Something is up here.

      Report Post » Cosmos102  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:35am

      New study at the University shows people with faith have bigger penises and natural perkier breast than atheist. It also showed that religious people usually last three times as long during intercourse than their atheist counter parts.

      Report Post »  
    • needs2Btold
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:22am

      Stimulus money? Are you serious? It says it was in Switzerland!!!!!!!!!!!! Geez, more frightwing idiocy.

      Report Post »  
  • RaiderNationKissArmy
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:54am

    Tim Tebow, Kurt Warner, Shaun Alexander, Rich Gannon, Reggie White, Merlin Olsen, Deion Sanders….yep, they were all pretty crappy football players.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:02pm

      I wonder how much the people behind the survey sponsorship paid to make sure the data went the direction they intended; like the UN does with their scientists (I use the term very loosely) to make and fabricate data for the farce of global warming.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • KPEdwards
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:17pm

      @SNOW

      … are you really supposing that anyone had anything to gain from how this, in my opinion, useless study came out? I don’t believe the area of faith-sports relations is an active area of research, and if it is, it really shouldn’t be. But people get degrees for all sorts of odd things. Anyways, this just produces a relatively shaky statistic that I put in the coincidence category that people will bring up as if it means something. Like when people pull statistics on which gender does statistically better on the SATs or some such non-sense.

      Report Post »  
    • memyselfandi
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:26pm

      Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

      Report Post »  
    • GodHatesFigs
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Don’t forget Pat Tillman

      Report Post » GodHatesFigs  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Reggie WHITE was BLACK… just sayin.

      Report Post »  
  • Stu D. Baker-Hawk
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52am

    Atheists are better at sports? Well, Christians are better at living eternally in Heaven. And, sports fans, I’d take the latter ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:59am

      Do you actually mean that Christians are better at living “Internally” In Heaven? Or perhaps you mean “Eternally?”

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Oh wait. I’m sorry at first I thought your post said “Externally” but at second glance I see it does say “Eternally.”

      Report Post »  
    • garyM
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Eliasim did you go to school to learn how to be ass or does it just come naturally? I have noticed from your post that you have some kind of religion, I’m just not sure what your theology is. You seem to always want to rebutt misspelling and such too! When I read your post about things pertaining to the Bible, they seem to be the same type as some I have read on http://www.sermonindex.com where all the so-called theologians congregate and argue! Are you one of those?

      I can still tolerate your post better than econimin’s

      Report Post »  
    • StanO360
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:46pm

      This is a silly interpretation, the yellow journalism headline is horrible. It say the kids had “no faith background”. In Switzerland that could mean they are not literal members of a church, it does not mean atheist or even agnostic (though it could). As only a small slice of Swiss attend church regularly, it is fairly meaningless.

      Report Post »  
  • semihardrock
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:50am

    So when they studied, observed and questioned the 666 children……lol

    Report Post » semihardrock  
  • hi
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:49am

    I disagree. They must be confusing bad sportsmanship with athleticism.

    Report Post » hi  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:48am

    Of course Atheists are better at athletics because Atheists believe the brain serves the human body therefore their body is center, rather than religious people believing the human body serves the brain therefore the brain and spirit is center, and soul. Einstein viewed the human body as only to carry the brain.

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:56am

      Incidentally the study is flawed because truly spiritual people wouldn’t take part in such a study and therefore the results are flawed, and therefore according to the evidence it is that Atheists are better at Athletics because many spiritual people don’t participate in athletics. Even still, including myself, I have known some spiritual people who can run faster than a hound, but that they choose not to.

      Report Post »  
    • KnuckleSangwich
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:57pm

      ELIASIM, your sources or is this just purely anecdotal? :)

      Report Post »  
  • chirodoc007
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:47am

    We should get NASA to help the poor religious kids know how special they are and that the religious kids actually invented athletics.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:45am

    Well unfortunately for them, there are no sports in hell.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52am

      Atheist don’t believe in made up things like your hell.

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52am

      Studies also show they make better serial killers…

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:06pm

      It’s not “my hell” Steelhead…It sounds like it’s yours.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:19pm

      Gonzo – the hell you speak of might as well be candyland. It is made up place for weak minded folks to explain things they can’t comprehend. in other words hell is not real

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:35pm

      But there is sport in Burnburg, Gonzo.
      It’s being made to watch the Cleveland Browns eternally play against themselves.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:37pm

      Well Steelhead, considering Christ spoke more about hell than heaven, I’m going to take His word over yours.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:59pm

      Steelhead, If Gonzo wants to believe that their is a hell. It’s his right to do so. Proslytizing is the true evil here.

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:01pm

      There. This polythiest can’t spell this morning.

      Report Post »  
    • Timothy_Reid
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:24pm

      @ steelhead

      prove hell is not real.

      Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:36am

    “Atheist Children Are Better at Sports Than Any Other ‘Religious’ Group”
    —————————————————————————————-
    So, I guess this confirms what I have believed for a long time. Atheism is a religion.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:50am

      no , atheism is not a religion. It is freedom of religion

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • CoolHandGordon
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:59am

      Mother Nature is their God and people are the Devil.

      Report Post »  
    • Treaty
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:13pm

      Freedom would imply neutrality. If you believe Atheism is neutral you need your head examined. Atheism is most definitely a religion.

      A religion doesn’t have to posit a god. Buddhism is non-theistic but it’s still a religion. Atheists have their own faith, their own own preachers, evangelists, and prophets, their own own orthodoxy and apostates, and their own worldview.

      Report Post » Treaty  
    • John1863
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Steelhead, I work in a very busy hospital and have yet to see an Atheist who doesn’t beg God for his life when the real fear of dying is taking them over. Atheists are a funny sort of people, they believe so heartily that there is no God that they forget that it’s their belief that forms that opinion.

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:54pm

      The poor in spirit continually complain their poverty.
      They are whispering to themselves, I have no hope. Why should others ?

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • Timothy_Reid
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:30pm

      @steelhead

      Of course athiesim is a religion. Ruled on in 1961 by the US Supreme Court and affirmed in 2005 by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. You are in a religion whether youlike it or not. It’s the same as when non-conformists say they’re not conformists. Yes they are it’s just a different standard that they conform to. So regardless of the study and it’s results the overall impression of the study states that your religious group plays sports better than my religious group. That’s a my daddy can beat up your daddy argument.

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 3:14pm

      In switzerland and other countries where people are no longer religious it is of course true that athletes are not religious.Here in america it is the reverse;people into sports tend to be more to the right and more of those are christians [or jews] then athiests. Here athiests are more likely to be intellectuals [whatever that means] and not into sports.Perhaps as religion recedes here in america that will change.There IS an affinity between worship of the body and an absense of belief in God and a soul. I know my in laws who are secular humanist athiests-are very into physical activity-skiing and hiking . I remember the look on my sister in laws face years ago when we were on a beach and she told her 6 yr old daughter how walking barefoot on the sand would build muscles in her legs.Her face glowed and she said it with a tone of voice that was subdued-like she was saying something sacred. her indoctrinated daughter picked up on her mothers tone ,voice and radiance and echoed it herself. Building muscles was for them the epitome of humaness. Personally I find muscles on women unattractive.

      Report Post »  
  • flyoverbob
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:36am

    They practice all day sunday.That is untill the final sunday

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:35am

    No doubt this study was conducted by Atheist. Can we say BIASED.

    Means nothing to me. They are so full of hot air (pun intended) anything they say should be taken with a grain of salt. I guess they needed a “how great you are moment”.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • karenm
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:34am

    This study is like the one that said born again Christians have smaller brains. I would rather have a small brain than an educated atheist.

    Report Post » karenm  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:31am

    Ppppffffftttttt!!! Not buying this.

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:34am

      So I guess the NBA,NFL,MLB,WSL,NHL and GPA are full of atheit…….RIGHT.

      Report Post »  
  • krjones
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:28am

    Can you say Tim Tebow!

    Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:35am

      Why is no one stating the obvious? It’s a study of Swiss children…not worldwide. No one’s asking what factors are unique to these children to warrant the results and do they manifest in children throughout the world. For instance…watch a Latin soccer game….almost every player coming onto the pitch crosses himself. And is anyone really going to say that the Latins don’t excell at the sport? Heck…the practice has become so embedded in soccer that you see other players crossing themselves before coming onto the pitch now. Oh and last time I checked….Latin American football is more highly regarded than Swiss football.

      Report Post »  
    • RaiderNationKissArmy
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:47am

      Exactly what I was thinking.

      Report Post »  
  • smackdown33
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:27am

    Harvard’s been giving us trash studies like this for years. Determine the outcome, then establish the study to support that outcome.

    Report Post »  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:29am

      isn’t it amazing they have a rule now no praying {thank god} when you make a touchdown………i guess all the non-believers are centers……………..

      Report Post »  
  • tbo
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:24am

    How does a 1st through 4th grader know if they are an atheist or not. They are children and just begining to learn right from wrong. They take on the faith or beliefs of their parents still at that age. Shoot at that age they still believe in Santa Clause.

    Report Post » tbo  
    • chirodoc007
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:44am

      Hear, hear!

      Report Post »  
    • goatrope67
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:44pm

      All children are born Atheist. They “take on” their parents religion. They believe in Santa Claus because their parents tell them about him. No one is born with an inherent belief in Santa Claus or Jesus Christ. It all comes to them through learning. Through what their parents hand them. If their parents force them one way or the other they will follow that belief system until it no longer suits them.

      Report Post »  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:23am

    The Blaze has to meet their atheist news quota for the week. And by this story, it appears to be catch up time.

    Report Post »  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:19am

    Really…….what a stupid study. Totally false and no way to prove it.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
    • JRook
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:24am

      First graders? Might be a tad bit more representative to pick high school age kids that have actually developed and trained a bit. Total garbage in terms of validity and applicability.

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:37am

      GRUDGYWOOF…JROOK in his blind zeal for all things liberal refuses to state the obvious…it’s a study of Swiss children alone. Try the same study in Latin America….

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 4:12pm

      @AvengerK And your point is what. I assure you I am neither a liberal or a conservative as I tend to actually think about issues and situations and not just spue out ideological based ignorance. I am a member of the group that actually elects the President…. an Independent.

      Report Post »  
  • Carter John
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:18am

    Now will they do a study in a pool of 100 and say that atheist kids are more intelligent?

    Report Post » Carter John  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:18am

    I am a Christian and as a child placed first in darn near every sport I played. Now my Christian child does the same and is also honor roll student like his mom. This is a garbage study like usual. Of course lets not study anything with any real meaning to society.

    Report Post »  
    • Bill in Texas
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:22am

      I agree, this study is Bull. I was probably done with the same style of data handling as the climate change studies, they threw out every piece of data that didn’t prove their hypothesis.

      Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:17am

    total bs …In other news …

    The Senate discussing/voting on defense bill today on cspan2

    The Constitution is about to be Flushed down the Toilet…Maybe all should be aware…?

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:28am

      OBAMA wins in 2012! Hillary wins in 2016/2020!

      Suck on it fools.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:59am

      That’s it SIMPLETON TRUTHS….keep whistling past the graveyard.

      Report Post »  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Way to go SIMPLETRUTHS. Thumbs up!

      Report Post »  
    • crackerone
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 2:47pm

      @SIMPLE

      OBAMA wins in 2012! Hillary wins in 2016/2020!

      Suck on it fools.

      Hillary? You mean Biden? hehe

      Report Post »  
  • ZAP
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:17am

    Who was deeded a better athlete David and Goliath ?

    Report Post » ZAP  
  • chasbronson
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:16am

    First grade school children? What a joke of a study made by athiests to some how prove they are superior.Anyhow the proof is in eternity.

    Report Post »  
  • PATRIOTGRUNT
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:14am

    WTF Blaze. Are you guys really that hardup for news that you print sh___it like this ?. Oh you are. Sorry.

    Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • COFemale
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:32am

      And Patriot are you so hard up that you have to comment? Nobody forces you read the story, it is a CHOICE; you know that word all you Liberal Progressives like to throw around when a woman wants an abortion.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • skypilot77
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:57am

      The study may be BS but the fact that there is such a study, and the Blaze is reporting it — is great. It demonstrates how the progressives think, and is a window into the mind of the enemy.

      That is the point of the many human interest type stories the Blaze reports on.

      Report Post »  
  • Obama Snake Oil Co
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:12am

    It would be the opposite in the US.

    Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • Timothy_Reid
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 1:47pm

      I agree. It’s more a study of the law of averages than anything else.

      Report Post »  
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