I particularly am wanting to know the statistic for the USA.  I read on a recent poll that 2% of Americans identified themselves as Atheist.  But it seems to me to be much higher based on forums such as this and chat rooms, etc.  \n\nDoes anyone have percentages for Atheists among different groups?  Such as, among university students, I would presume it to be higher than among others.  Thanks.
133585
This site say 16%, including agnostic, etc.\n\nhttp://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html\n\nThere's a large section of the population that's classified as "non-religious," which is not the same as atheist.\n\nThere's a pretty good breakdown here for just Atheism: http://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/zuckerman/atheism.html
653145
Did you know:\n\n- 92% of posters named "ast5792" make up statistics?\n\n- Over 77% of readers believe them?\n\n- 84% of statistics are made to fit the argument?\n\n- 98% of unsupported opinions have fake statistics attached to them?\n\n- 100% of the statistics I give in this post are unfounded (as are yours)
70597
haha I asked the same question but about fundalmental christians.  For someone trying to figure out my own sprituality I find both sides rather annoying and superfical.  I think the reason both Atheists and Fundalmentals are on here so much is because their point of view is very simple to give a easy answer.  Beleive and don't question for the fundalmentals and don't beleive at all for the Atheists.  To answer many of the deep questions posted on here a lot of thought has to go into those answers.  Even with lots of thought, a good answer is hard to communicate.  Whole books have been written to answer some of these questions.  So it only appears to be narrow minded people in the population but in fact its just easier for them to give their narrow minded answers because to them everything is black and white
18593
Applying to Americans suggests enforcement through seclular law. One of the foundations of the US was a separation of church and state to preserve religious freedom. Today there are numerous religions within the US and all must be protected under the constitution. People who are atheists deserve equal protection as well.\n\nSecular laws can only enforce certain actions such as making people recite prayers but they can never enforce belief.\n\n\nBTW I'm not Christian and I really didn't intend originaly to post here but decided to any. My purpose for jumping into this question relates to your answer to Kissie101's question "Can I be a Christian and not believe in God". \n\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AimLrui_HsTJrOhvkDI.FJnsy6IX?qid=1006012205244\n\nI was very impressed with your answer in its thoughtfulness and compassion for Kissie after so many rude comments from others. I was pretty pissed off at that point and about to write a nasty response to all of them. My impression is that kissie101 is very young and her question was sincere. you handled it well.\n\nRegards,\n\nRascal
356333
I didn't realize that we had multiple races outside of "HUMAN". Besides, not all those who disagree with organized religion are atheists. I'm a Non-Denominational Happy Pagan Person.
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As an atheist republican, I have been asking myself that for a while.\n\nI guess I still believe in the platforum, but may be only one of a few who actually do.\n\nThe increasing influence of the religious right seriously distresses me, as I hate the idea that the GOP is now connected at the hip with those hate-mongers.  Barry Goldwater warned about this as early as 1980, but I guess few headed his warning.\n\nTechnically, I am a libertarian, but not with the big "L".  I'll vote for moderate Reps, or conservative Dems when the chance arises.\n\nIn short, I hear ya brother.
490632
Well, I'm not atheist, but I'm not very religious either.  I had two friends, one who was an atheist and one who was a firm-believing christian.  Around this time of year, the atheist would say Happy Holidays and the christian would say Merry Christmas, as a way of persuading him and it ticked me off.  My mentality is that everyone's beliefs are going to be different because everyone in this world is different.  And if what they believe makes them a better and happier person, then I'm not going to judge it and more so, I'm going to be happy that's what they believe, because it makes them happy.  And those who are super-devout in their beliefs to the point where they push it on other people really piss me off.  And a lot of times, I see it's because either A)  they are too stupid and/or lazy to come up with their own ideas that they need a book or someone else to make up ideas for them or B)  they can't forgive themselves for their past sins so they think if they lead this life it'll automatically make them a better person, when it doesn't.  To those atheists out there, believe whatever you want to believe.  It's nobody's business but your own.  And a truly good person and friend will accept and respect you, even if you don't agree with their beliefs!
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A little over two billion, or about a third of the World's population today. Not sure about the stats for the U.S.\n\nBut from my vantage point, I'd consider only a small fraction of that number to be 'true' Christians... if you get my drift.\n\nPeace be with you.
520055
*waggles fingers* Atheist and American here. But still, you do have a point. Sure there is religion in the UK, but everytime I go over there alot more people have no religion than here in the US.
60299
Here goes...\n\nAtheists along with many modern beliefs are very open and inviting and accept all with any belief you have or want to have. Hmmm that sounds an awful lot like that wide gate aye? \n\nChristians know that Christ is the only way. And that you must surrender all to enter this narrow gate.\n\nHere we have two very different world views. But both have their very own belief. Christians share their belief with others. Atheists share their belief with others. The Atheistic belief that there is no God is non threatening so its okay to share. The Christian belief convicts and demands a response. Unbelievers dont like to hear that someone else believes that they will spend an eternity of absence of God (hell) if they dont serve Christ. Christians dont like the idea of spending eternity rotting in a grave.\nBoth are somewhat offensive outcomes to the one who doesnt believe.\n\nDont they have a right to be intolerant? I mean after all we are going to be in a wonderful place for eternity. And they think that they are going to rot in a wooden box 6 feet under. And we are trying to tell them that it is actually worse than that....\n\n**** Oh and btw.... About statistics, they left out how only about only 14% of Christians say they believe in Jesus' deity, the trinity, the bible... and other things very important to the Christian walk.
591551
This is ridiculous. Does religion or religious people bother you that much. How do you know that you won't meet someone that believes in God that is also really nice and worth spending time with. Atheist are no better than the rest of the religious groups. "Are way is the true way." Keep separating yourself from people. I'm sure that will really help you grow as a person or maybe you have grown all you care to? Why can't people be free to live and believe as they choose. If you make this atheist nation and the children born there want to believe in God and worship are you going to kick them out? I believe in God does that separate us so much that I am not welcome to be with you? Why do people feel the need to group together. Can't you have your own beliefs and stand alone? I would hate to think that your child would not ever get a chance to play with my child because of what us parents believe. Of course all this is based on the hypothetical.\nLove & Light\nSharon\nOne Planet = One People
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how many ppl thinks its anti christian\nand the ppl that thinks its a fiction book\n\nThat is a flawed statistic. The people who think it is antichristian also know it is a book of fiction.\n\nStats like this have not been established or published. Anyone trying to answer this will be guessing.
472909
No. I started calling myself an atheist, even though I'm more of an agnostic. They will put us all together as 'the wrong ones', and it would take too much trouble to set that right. Let's start by answering their questions if they apply. And when it's all a little clearer, we can start the other discussion.
545858
After reading the article you linked to I can only say that one would probably need to read the research to really understand where the study is coming from. I really have to challenge some of the assumptions that are made such as Britain being a secular society and US being a religious one. My personal experience is exactly the opposite so I wonder what they based that assumption on?\n\nUntil I know exactly how they measured what societies are religions and what are not it is impossible to comment on their conclusions. But one thing I can say is that nowhere in the article do them mention any native religions or non-western ones so that would be a bias that invalidates the study anyway.\n\nNeed to read more on this.\n\nPeace and Blessings,\n\nSalim
440825
WOWZER! You certainly did some serious investigation and put a LOT of thought into this! This kind of explanation makes an atheist proud (I'm serious)! Rather than the usual slings and arrows, you've delivered a very in-depth explanation of "the true believer" (or fundie), without calling names or the usual put-downs. Even so, just wait for the fur to fly anyway (from the fundies and others).\n\nI agree with almost all of it, especially the connection with how the Army breaks down its enlisted men & women, to brainwash them. You show how human survival mechanisms are actually turned AGAINST them in order to achieve full acceptance and subservience!\n\nNow, instead of feeling annoyed by fundies, this actually makes me pity them (well, 'til the next one insults me!). \n\nSome of the Behaviorist stuff has come under fire in recent decades, as too simplistic...but much of it holds water.\n\nI would LOVE to know what your sources are! Can you add them? GREAT POST!
11411
Well, I'm an Atheist, and I can't tell you how many times I wished I believed. It would really make life a whole lot easier. But I can't, I already feel that there is no greater being, and I'm not about to change that. So often I notice that people will respect people of diffrent religions, but they won't respect Atheists.
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"The disbelievers have their leaders"? Who are they? I haven't met them... And I don't think it's in the atheist character to actually accept a leader.\n\nAnyway, I don't agree with you. Nothing is more heterogeneous than atheism. I agree more with some believers than I do with some other unbelievers.