Define Atheist Please

June 23rd, 2008 · No Comments

“The study detailed Americans’ deep and broad religiosity, finding that 92 percent believe in God or a universal spirit — including one in five of those who call themselves atheists. More than half of Americans polled pray at least once a day” - Washington Post

Atheist; noun
“one who believes that there is no deity”

So if 1 out of 5 “Atheist” believe in God then they are not Atheist anymore and can no longer be considered part of the poll. Now to be fair this might not be the Washington Post’s fault. Although they should of looked into possible paradoxes prior to publishing the article. It is always a good idea to do a quick paradox check when writing because they can really come out of left field, same goes for conundrums while I am on a warning rant.

I find it shocking how people can call themselves Atheist and then say that they believe in God. I think the word they are looking for to define themselves would be Theistic Agnosticism. Which is what I feel that most religious people are these days. Especially that giant section of utterly confused people who are not sure if their church is for them anymore.

Personally I have always preferred the following definition.