26 percent of Americans are atheist? Researchers say the godless are undercounted

[rug]

MAY 01, 2017 11:47 AM
BY SCOTT CANON

Josh Stewart differs from most atheists. He’ll tell you there is no God.

But when he gets together with other faithless folks in the Kansas City Atheist Coalition, they color code their name tags. One hue for those who are proudly public about their beliefs, another for whom photographers are asked to avoid.

“It is an issue,” said the 31-year-old Westport resident and coffee shop worker. “They’re worried how their boss or their family or somebody else might react. It’s not always good.”

Even in anonymous surveys, atheists tend to keep their views secret.

http://www.kansascity.com/living/religion/article147834469.html

Color coded name tags?

Afraid to give an honest answer on sincerely held personal views on an anonymous internet survey?

[HoneyBadger]

1. In NY, it is a lot higher

I know a couple of religious Christians and Jews, more Muslims. But generally the younger you are, the more likely you are to look down on it. This includes people that went to religious schools, which I find amazing. If someone goes to Catholic school for 13 years and thinks it is crap, they have credibility.

[Volstagg]

2. Seems like a good idea for respecting those that aren't out.

Just because they aren't out doesn't mean they have no need for getting together.

[rug]

4. What does? Not answering an anonymous survey honestly?

Or wearing color coded name tags?

[Volstagg]

5. The name tags

It says it is so photographers know who doesn't want their picture taken.

[guillaumeb]

3. Anecdotal evidence?

For years the narrative was that religion was dying out. But as Russia and China are finding, belief is not eliminated by fiat or by declaring that higher education necessarily indicates a lack of belief.