Kenny - I agree that those here are likely to be truthful about how they feel since we are all largely anonymous, but perhaps there is some inhibition to coming out and stating they are really atheist. I also perceive that the label 'atheist' is being taken to mean "beleif that a god does not exist" and that that is a technically irrational position, so an agnostic stance, i.e. disbelief or undecided appears more rational and acceptable.
Richard Dawkins admitted that all atheists are actually agnostic. I still say I am an atheist because people take agnosticism to mean "weak atheism". I have a great deal of respect for research oriented theologians, I think the origins of human belief are fascinating. However, I'm not one to grant a priests views of our origins the same weight as those of Einstein or Hawking. I refuse to treat religion any differently than I do pixies, ghosts etc.....
I'm an Agnostic Atheist. I certainly have no knowledge one way or the other of whether God exists - as there is no evidence for the existence of a relevant God - and you can not prove the non-existence. Thus I am Agnostic with respect to God. As a result, I do not have a belief that God exists and thus I am an Atheist. So you should add a "Both" to your poll options. Then I would choose that one.
If it comes up, I generally try to say "agnostic athiest", for the confused looks it usually generates.... and if the look is just right, I add "clinically depressed fecalpheliac on Prozac".
Holy cow! I thought you'd left us in the dust! Incredible to see you're still around.. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! You are my favorite philosopher you know (I prefer those I can interact with to the dead guys, and don't read enough outside this site). Sorry if I'm gushing, I'm just freaked out and pleased to see you here. Where are you posting these days? I can't remember the site, something about infidels?
I regard myself as an atheist [without religion]. I can't obviously prove the non-existence of a human concoction. What I can try is figure out why humans feel the need to believe in supernatural forces, which in recent times (last few thousand years) are called Gods or God, from Zeus down to Jehowah and Jesus Christ.
Just want to give you a hint: Evolution. It does not only occur to humans, and other living things. But evolution also applies to nature.
I don't disagree with evolution at all, I'll leave that to the idiots who hold Genesis in higher regard. But putting all religion aside, we have still only scratched the surface about the universe and why/how we are here, and since we still don't have solid answers yet, there is still plenty of room for imagination.
