A recent study by Pew Research concluded that 21% of self-defined atheists in America believe in a god (6% in a personal god). That does not include agnostics (55%, 14% personal).
The study also found that atheist account for 1.6% of the population (less than Jewish and Mormon believers – both at 1.7%). Agnostics made up 2.4%. The total for those who self identify as at least skeptical of believe in God is 4% of the American population.
When almost half of those individuals still believe in a god, isn’t it safe to say that news of God’s demise was (and is) greatly exaggerated?
Apparently they believe in a non-theistic God.
But that makes no sense – "a non-theistic God." What would that be? Theism is simply a belief in some type of god. It is the opposite of atheism.
It does not presuppose any form the god would take. Under that you would have Monotheism, Polytheism, Pantheism, Deism, etc.
Obviously (except for a small minority), they do not believe in a personal God. But even the idea of a "god-force" in the universe would be a theistic point of view.
I just find it telling that while the new breed of arrogant, brash atheist are writing best sellers and getting all the press, a good portion of even their fellow atheist believe in some type of god. Not to mention the vast majority of the public who believe in a personal God and the specifically the personal God of Christianity.
"6% in a personal god"
So they believe that each and every person has there own god… There's alot of gods then.
"21% of self-defined atheists in America believe in a god"
This statement makes no sense.. You are either a atheists or your not. You can't be both. Even if its The god of Chicken Liver.
For all you Atheists out there just get over it and admit that there is a god more powerful than you. Even your own kind believe in some sort of god. Where do you think that urg comes from to believe in something you can't see. Because it was embedded in us from OUR lord and Savior. God loves you even when you don't love him back.
“6% in a personal god”
So they believe that each and every person has there own god… There’s alot of gods then.
“21% of self-defined atheists in America believe in a god”
This statement makes no sense.. You are either a atheists or your not. You can’t be both. Even if its The god of Chicken Liver.
For all you Atheists out there just get over it and admit that there is a god more powerful than you. Even your own kind believe in some sort of god. Where do you think that urg comes from to believe in something you can’t see. Because it was embedded in us from OUR lord and Savior. God loves you even when you don’t love him back.
But that makes no sense – "a non-theistic God." What would that be? Theism is simply a belief in some type of god. It is the opposite of atheism.
Actually, it's not. Theism posits a personal, living God Who actively participates in its creation, reveals Himself through prophets, writings, visions, etc., and can be moved by prayer, sacrifice, etc. As Ben put it, it's a God whose feelings can be hurt. Here is a good description of Deism:
Deism is the belief that a supreme god exists and created the physical universe, but does not intervene in its normal operation. It is related to a religious philosophy and movement that derives the existence and nature of God from reason. It takes no position on what God may do outside the universe. That is in contrast to fideism which is found in many forms of Christianity[1], Islamic and Judaic teachings, which hold that religion relies on revelation in sacred scriptures or the testimony of other people as well as reasoning.
Deists typically reject most supernatural events (prophecy, miracles) and tend to assert that God does not intervene with the affairs of human life and the natural laws of the universe. What organized religions see as divine revelation and holy books, most deists see as interpretations made by other humans, rather than as authoritative sources. Deists believe that God's greatest gift to humanity is not religion, but the ability to reason.
A-theists, or anti-theists, could reject the first definition while still leaving open the second (or, perhaps, a mystical "Force" or "Idea") as a possibility. Of course, many atheists also deny any supernatural force or god.
I just find it telling that while the new breed of arrogant, brash atheist are writing best sellers and getting all the press…
I see the "new atheist" movement as a reaction to and necessary correction of the "arrogant, brash" Christians who have been swaggering about, bullying the American people and politicians since the Reagan era (at least). So, before you condemn them, you might look in the mirror for reasons why they exist.
Since you linked to the Wiki definition of Deism, here's the one for theism:
But this is not really a semantic debate, so we can move on.
I see the "new atheist" movement as a reaction to and necessary correction of the "arrogant, brash" Christians who have been swaggering about…
While I'm sure that they are a reactionary movement, you are correct that many Christians had and have an arrogant attitude. That is unfortunate and has not turned out well for us. Why would atheist think the public (who is much more inclined to agree with Christians in general) would be convinced by their arrogance?
I don't necessarily think the new atheists are really arrogant in any objective sense. They only seem so if you on the receiving end of their attack. As to the general public: these books appeared on best-seller lists, so I don't think they are only preaching to the choir (so to speak). And for those of us who are the targets and scapegoats of conservative Christianity, they provide a real aid and comfort. It's nice to know that there are intelligent, educated people who are not intimidated by xian-bullies and who can provide a sound critique of xianity's absurdities.
To my mind, much of organized xianity is arrogant, self-righteous, bigoted and irrational. This is why I object to the Lewis quote you provided: many people, who cannot stomach xianity in its conservative and orthodox forms, can find meaning and truth in so-called "liberal" forms. While this may displease Lewis and seeker and you, that is really beside the point. You don't get to dictate how other people believe (this not being the Middle Ages).