Posted on 11/07/2013 11:02:25 AM PST by Responsibility2nd
This post originally appeared at Pew Research Center’s Fact Tank blog.
Estimating the number of atheists in the U.S. is complex.
Some adults who describe themselves as atheists also say they do believe in God or a universal spirit, according to Pew Research Center surveys. At the same time, some people who identify with a religion (e.g., say they are Protestant, Catholic or Jewish) say they do not believe in God.
The debate over the definition and identity of atheists came up recently during Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Diana Nyad, a self-identified atheist who recently gained attention for her Cuba-to-Florida open swim.
Here’s what we know about self-described atheists and their beliefs:
1. The number of people who identify themselves as atheists in the United States has been rising, modestly but steadily, in recent years. Our aggregated data from 2012 show that 2.4% of American adults say they are atheists when asked about their religious identity, up from 1.6% in 2007.
2. Atheists, in general, are more likely to be male and younger than the overall population; 67% are men, and 38% are ages 18-29(compared with 22% of all U.S. adults). About four-in-10 atheists (43%) have a college degree, compared with 29% of the general public.
. Although the literal definition of “atheist” is “a person who believes that God does not exist,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, 14% of those who call themselves atheists also say they believe in God or a universal spirit. That includes 5% who say they are “absolutely certain” about the existence of God or a universal spirit. Alternatively, there are many people who fit the dictionary definition of “atheist” but do not call themselves atheists. More Americans say they do not believe in God or a universal spirit (7%) than say they are atheists (2.4%).
4. Not all atheists see a contradiction between atheism and spirituality. A quarter (26%) say they think of themselves as spiritual people, and 3% consider themselves religious people. Four-in-10 atheists (41%) say they often think about the meaning and purpose of life.
5. Among atheists, 82% say they either often (52%) or sometimes (30%) feel a deep connection with nature and the earth; among all American adults, 85% either often (58%) or sometimes (26%) feel such a connection.
They have a heck of a lot of pull, getting all other religions banned from the public square, making Atheism the State Religion.
Atheists might argue that you are confusing Atheism with Liberalism.
Not all Atheists are liberal. But all liberals are godless.
because the Banglist is full?
atheists are angry and confused,
like this Poll.
2.4% is hard to know much about in polling due to the error rate. The conflicting logic is more indicative of confusion than a belief system.
i think the conflicting logic is the result of a lousy poll
Surprise, surprise....it seems that atheists may also be homosexuals. Wonder why they don’t like God?
Isn’t 2.4% just a point or two different than the percentage of homosexuals in America?
And look at the (bleep) storm of damage they do. If only atheists also had the power of the press and of the government on their side. Imagine where they would be!
My experience is that there are a small number who adopt atheism as a real ideological position, and then a larger number to glom on and say “I’m an atheist”, because they are afraid of being ridiculed by atheists if they say otherwise.
There are no Atheists in a fox hole. Its’ a cliché but will always be true. I believe God understands this, as our free will allows to us to wander off and lose our way at times.
Most vocal atheists are argumentative personalities in all things. I think they latch onto atheism for its usefulness as a catalyst for arguments. In short, they just love to stir the pot and have found one subject that will get a rise out of even usually meek people.
Many other avowed atheists are just mad at God in some form and are acting out, challenging God to prove Himself to them.
I’m pretty sure there are atheists who have seen combat before.
only 2.5%???
Based on all the hostile comments they tend to post on YouTube, and after news stories, you’d think they’re 70% of the population!
Are they all just sitting around a computer entering comments 24\7?
With all due respect, please have enough imagination to avoid being a literalist.
I’m an Atheist. I try not to stick it in people’s face though. I will engage in polite arguments though.
I’m also pro-life, married and have 3 kids. All 3 will be raised to think for themselves. If they choose to believe in god I have no problem with that. As long as their not militant about it. That’s where the trouble starts on both sides of the argument.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
