Theistic atheists and agnostics

[pmw]

A recent survey shows that 1.6% of Americans identify themselves as atheist and 2.4% of Americans identify themselves as agnostic

Comments

[zerothehero]

Doesn't surprise me much really. I'd be more interested in knowing how many "true" atheists and agnostics were born & raised Catholic.

[pmw]

I don't know about that, but 3% of Americans who identify themselves as Catholic do not believe in God, and only 60% believe in a personal God (a belief which is considered essential in traditional Christianity). Orthodox Christians are even worse in this respect: only 49% believe in a personal God, and 5% don't believe in God at all.

[bravestarr]

You are correct that the words "agnostic" and "atheist" are being misused, I think the right phrase is "anti-organised religion," and I'm sure there is a catchy word for it, but it is not coming to mind.

You also must understand that these people most likely don't care enough to even research the definition of their non-chosen path.