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[[File:David Silverman Reason Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] is the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization. ]]

[[File:David Silverman Reason Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] is the president of the [[American Atheists]] organization. ]]

According to the 2014 [[General Social Survey]] (GSS), the number of [[atheism|atheists]] and [[agnosticism|agnostics]] in the United States has remained relatively stable in the past 23 years. In 1991, 2% of Americans identified as atheist, and 4% identified as agnostic. In 2014, 3% of Americans identified as atheists, and 5% identified as agnostics.<ref> Hout, Michael; Smith, Tom (March 2015). "[http://www.norc.org/PDFs/GSS%20Reports/GSS_Religion_2014.pdf Fewer Americans Affiliate with Organized Religions, Belief and Practice Unchanged: Key Findings from the 2014 General Social Survey]" (PDF). General Social Survey. NORC</ref>

According to the 2014 [[General Social Survey]] (GSS), the number of [[atheism|atheists]] and [[agnosticism|agnostics]] in the United States has remained relatively stable in the past 23 years. In 1991, 2% of Americans identified as atheist, and 4% identified as agnostic. In 2014, 3% of Americans identified as atheists, and 5% identified as agnostics.<ref>Hout, Michael; Smith, Tom (March 2015). "[http://www.norc.org/PDFs/GSS%20Reports/GSS_Religion_2014.pdf Fewer Americans Affiliate with Organized Religions, Belief and Practice Unchanged: Key Findings from the 2014 General Social Survey]" (PDF). General Social Survey. NORC</ref>

The Pew Research Center reported in 2013:  

The Pew Research Center reported in 2013:  

== Atheist Eddie Tabash on the American atheist movement ==

== Atheist Eddie Tabash on the American atheist movement ==

[[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|Eddie Tabash

[[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|Eddie Tabash

 

<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Wikimedia Commons], see [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small>]]

<small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Wikimedia Commons], see [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en  license agreement])</small>]]

The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:

The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:

July 11, 2013</ref>

July 11, 2013</ref>

See also: [[Antitheism and antisocial behavior]]

{{See also|Antitheism and antisocial behavior}}

== American atheists and loneliness ==

== American atheists and loneliness ==

The 2008 [[American Religious Identification Survey]] (ARIS) found that only 0.7% of U.S. adults identified as atheist, but at the same time 2.3% said there is no such thing as a god.<ref>Barry A. Kosmin and Ariela Keysar, [http://b27.cc.trincoll.edu/weblogs/AmericanReligionSurvey-ARIS/reports/ARIS_Report_2008.pdf], March 2009, American Religious Identification Survey [ARIS 2008], Trinity College</ref>  The reluctance of Americans to self-identify as atheists is likely due to the American public's low opinion of atheists (See: [[Views on atheists|Americans have a low opinion of atheists]]).  

The 2008 [[American Religious Identification Survey]] (ARIS) found that only 0.7% of U.S. adults identified as atheist, but at the same time 2.3% said there is no such thing as a god.<ref>Barry A. Kosmin and Ariela Keysar, [http://b27.cc.trincoll.edu/weblogs/AmericanReligionSurvey-ARIS/reports/ARIS_Report_2008.pdf], March 2009, American Religious Identification Survey [ARIS 2008], Trinity College</ref>  The reluctance of Americans to self-identify as atheists is likely due to the American public's low opinion of atheists (See: [[Views on atheists|Americans have a low opinion of atheists]]).  

See also: [[David Silverman#Silverman intentionally exaggerating the number of atheists in the USA|David Silverman intentionally exaggerating the number of atheists in the USA]]

{{See also|David Silverman#Silverman intentionally exaggerating the number of atheists in the USA|l1=David Silverman intentionally exaggerating the number of atheists in the USA}}

=== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau on American atheist movements ===

=== Atheist Jacques Berlinerblau on American atheist movements ===

[[File:Prager Dennis sm.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|[[Dennis Prager]] is a vocal opponent of [[atheist indoctrination]] in public schools.<ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=43734 How atheism is being sold in America]</ref> ]]

[[File:Prager Dennis sm.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|[[Dennis Prager]] is a vocal opponent of [[atheist indoctrination]] in public schools.<ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=43734 How atheism is being sold in America]</ref> ]]

In the [[United States]], a significant amount of atheists are white males and the [[American atheism|American atheist]] population has been criticized for its lack of racial diversity and lower amount of females in its population ([[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and women]]).  The Pew Research Forum reported in 2013 concerning American atheists: "About four-in-ten atheists (43%) [[Atheism and education|have a college degree]], compared with 29% of the general public."<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/10/23/5-facts-about-atheists/ 5 facts about atheists] By Michael Lipka, Pew Research Forum, October 23, 2013</ref>  In 2012, the Pew Research Forum reported regarding American atheists: "And about 38% of atheists and agnostics have an annual family income of at least $75,000, compared with 29% of the general public."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise-demographics/ “Nones” on the Rise - Demographics], Pew Research Forum, October 9, 2012</ref>   

In the [[United States]], a significant amount of atheists are white males and the American atheist population has been criticized for its lack of racial diversity and lower amount of females in its population ([[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and women]]).  The Pew Research Forum reported in 2013 concerning American atheists: "About four-in-ten atheists (43%) [[Atheism and education|have a college degree]], compared with 29% of the general public."<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/10/23/5-facts-about-atheists/ 5 facts about atheists] By Michael Lipka, Pew Research Forum, October 23, 2013</ref>  In 2012, the Pew Research Forum reported regarding American atheists: "And about 38% of atheists and agnostics have an annual family income of at least $75,000, compared with 29% of the general public."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise-demographics/ “Nones” on the Rise - Demographics], Pew Research Forum, October 9, 2012</ref>   

Also, atheists within the [[United States]] have developed a reputation of uncharitableness as they gave far less to charities, even if church donations are not counted (see: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]).  As a result of these factors, claims of being an oppressed minority by atheists are often not taken seriously even by fellow atheists (For more information, please see: [[Atheist whining]] and [[Persecution of atheists]]).<ref>

Also, atheists within the [[United States]] have developed a reputation of uncharitableness as they gave far less to charities, even if church donations are not counted (see: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]]).  As a result of these factors, claims of being an oppressed minority by atheists are often not taken seriously even by fellow atheists (For more information, please see: [[Atheist whining]] and [[Persecution of atheists]]).<ref>

*[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/06/atheism-the-next-civil-rights-movement.html Atheism: The Next Civil Rights movement], Vlad Chituc, ''The Daily Beast'', 4-6-2015

*[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/06/atheism-the-next-civil-rights-movement.html Atheism: The Next Civil Rights movement], Vlad Chituc, ''The Daily Beast'', 4-6-2015

The [[Reason Rally]] was billed as the largest [[Atheist conferences|secular event]] in history.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/12/06/is_mocking_religion_enough_harris_dawkins_and_the_future_of_atheistsecular_politics/ Is mocking religion enough? Harris, Dawkins and the future of atheist/secular politics] by Richard Cimino and Christopher Smith, Salon magazine</ref>  It was held in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2012.

The [[Reason Rally]] was billed as the largest [[Atheist conferences|secular event]] in history.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/12/06/is_mocking_religion_enough_harris_dawkins_and_the_future_of_atheistsecular_politics/ Is mocking religion enough? Harris, Dawkins and the future of atheist/secular politics] by Richard Cimino and Christopher Smith, Salon magazine</ref>  It was held in the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2012.

According to the ''Religion News Service''  8,000-10,000 people showed up for the rally. <ref>Winston, Kimberly (March 24, 2012). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/atheist-rally_n_1377443.html#s811235&title=Reason_Rally_on Atheists Rally On National Mall; The 'Reason Rally' Largest Gathering Of Nonbelievers (PHOTOS)]". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-05-02.</ref> ''The Atlantic'' reported 20,000 individuals were in attendance.<ref>Benjamin Fearnow & Mickey Woods, [http://www.theatlantic.com/national/print/2012/03/richard-dawkins-preaches-to-nonbelievers-at-reason-rally/255012/ "Richard Dawkins Preaches to Nonbelievers at Reason Rally"], ''The Atlantic'', March 24, 2012.</ref>

According to the ''Religion News Service''  8,000-10,000 people showed up for the rally.<ref>Winston, Kimberly (March 24, 2012). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/atheist-rally_n_1377443.html#s811235&title=Reason_Rally_on Atheists Rally On National Mall; The 'Reason Rally' Largest Gathering Of Nonbelievers (PHOTOS)]". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2012-05-02.</ref> ''The Atlantic'' reported 20,000 individuals were in attendance.<ref>Benjamin Fearnow & Mickey Woods, [http://www.theatlantic.com/national/print/2012/03/richard-dawkins-preaches-to-nonbelievers-at-reason-rally/255012/ "Richard Dawkins Preaches to Nonbelievers at Reason Rally"], ''The Atlantic'', March 24, 2012.</ref>

Although the event was billed as the largest secular event in world history, strictly speaking that is not accurate. [[Communism|Communist]] countries have embraced [[state atheism]]. And [[Marxism|Marxist]]-[[Vladimir Lenin|Leninism]] along with [[Maoism]] explicitly adhered to the [[atheist worldview]] and communist countries have engaged in [[militant atheism]] and religious persecution (see: [[Atheism and communism]]).<ref>[http://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/asia/item/19567-china-s-communist-party-reaffirms-marxism-maoism-atheism China’s Communist Party Reaffirms Marxism, Maoism, Atheism]</ref> China [[Atheism and communism|still engages]] in religious persecution. Communist countries often had large/massive rallies. For example, at [[Tiananmen Square]] during the [[Cultural Revolution]], the atheist [[Mao Zedong]] greeted 1,500 [[Red Guards|Red Guards]] and waved to 800,000 Red Guards and spectators below.

Although the event was billed as the largest secular event in world history, strictly speaking that is not accurate. [[Communism|Communist]] countries have embraced [[state atheism]]. And [[Marxism|Marxist]]-[[Vladimir Lenin|Leninism]] along with [[Maoism]] explicitly adhered to the [[atheist worldview]] and communist countries have engaged in [[militant atheism]] and religious persecution (see: [[Atheism and communism]]).<ref>[http://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/asia/item/19567-china-s-communist-party-reaffirms-marxism-maoism-atheism China’s Communist Party Reaffirms Marxism, Maoism, Atheism]</ref> China [[Atheism and communism|still engages]] in religious persecution. Communist countries often had large/massive rallies. For example, at [[Tiananmen Square]] during the [[Cultural Revolution]], the atheist [[Mao Zedong]] greeted 1,500 [[Red Guards]] and waved to 800,000 Red Guards and spectators below.

<ref>(Chinese) [http://dangshi.people.com.cn/GB/85039/14329784.html 倪天祚, "毛主席八次接见红卫兵的组织工作" 中国共产党新闻网] 2011-04-07</ref>

<ref>(Chinese) [http://dangshi.people.com.cn/GB/85039/14329784.html 倪天祚, "毛主席八次接见红卫兵的组织工作" 中国共产党新闻网] 2011-04-07</ref>

== Demographics and trends in American secularism ==

== Demographics and trends in American secularism ==

[[File:Bread for the world.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|Due to Hispanic [[evangelicalism|evangelicals]], church attendance was up in New York City in 2013.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/news/2013/11/hispanics-turning-evangelical-jews-secular.php Hispanics turning evangelical, Jews secular], Beliefnet.com, November 2103</ref>

[[File:Bread for the world.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|Due to Hispanic [[evangelicalism|evangelicals]], church attendance was up in New York City in 2013.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/news/2013/11/hispanics-turning-evangelical-jews-secular.php Hispanics turning evangelical, Jews secular], Beliefnet.com, November 2103</ref>

 

With the continued rise in the number of Hispanic, Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians in North America and the rise of evangelicalism in Latin America and South America, [[secular left|secular leftism]] is not going to be dominant in America's long term future.<ref>

 

 

With the continued rise in the number of Hispanic, Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians in North America and the rise of evangelicalism in Latin America and South America, [[secular left]]ism is not going to be dominant in America's long term future.<ref>

*[http://global.christianpost.com/news/3-reasons-america-may-become-more-religious-102859/ 3 Reasons America May Become More Religious] By Napp Nazworth, ''Christian Post'', August 22, 2013

*[http://global.christianpost.com/news/3-reasons-america-may-become-more-religious-102859/ 3 Reasons America May Become More Religious] By Napp Nazworth, ''Christian Post'', August 22, 2013

*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-writing-is-on-wall-godless.html The writing is on the wall amigos: Godless progressivism will not be dominant in the USA's future], August 14, 2013

*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-writing-is-on-wall-godless.html The writing is on the wall amigos: Godless progressivism will not be dominant in the USA's future], August 14, 2013

Due to Hispanic [[evangelicalism|evangelicals]], church attendance was up in New York City in 2013.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/news/2013/11/hispanics-turning-evangelical-jews-secular.php Hispanics turning evangelical, Jews secular], Beliefnet.com, November 2103</ref>

Due to Hispanic [[evangelicalism|evangelicals]], church attendance was up in New York City in 2013.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/news/2013/11/hispanics-turning-evangelical-jews-secular.php Hispanics turning evangelical, Jews secular], Beliefnet.com, November 2103</ref>

With the continued rise in the number of Hispanic, evangelical Christians in North America and the rise of evangelicalism in Latin America and South America, [[secular left|secular leftism]] is not going to be dominant in America's future.<ref>

With the continued rise in the number of Hispanic, evangelical Christians in North America and the rise of evangelicalism in Latin America and South America, [[secular left]]ism is not going to be dominant in America's future.<ref>

*[http://global.christianpost.com/news/3-reasons-america-may-become-more-religious-102859/ 3 Reasons America May Become More Religious] By Napp Nazworth, ''Christian Post'', August 22, 2013

*[http://global.christianpost.com/news/3-reasons-america-may-become-more-religious-102859/ 3 Reasons America May Become More Religious] By Napp Nazworth, ''Christian Post'', August 22, 2013

*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-writing-is-on-wall-godless.html The writing is on the wall amigos: Godless progressivism will not be dominant in the USA's future], August 14, 2013

*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-writing-is-on-wall-godless.html The writing is on the wall amigos: Godless progressivism will not be dominant in the USA's future], August 14, 2013

=== Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon religion/irreligion demographic projections ===

=== Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon religion/irreligion demographic projections ===

[[File:Loc of United States.png|thumbnail|200px|left|Current religious demography scholarship suggest that the relatively low fertility of secular Americans and the religiosity of the immigrant inflow provide a countervailing force that will cause the secularization process within the total population to plateau before 2043.

[[File:Loc of United States.png|thumbnail|200px|left|Current religious demography scholarship suggest that the relatively low fertility of secular Americans and the religiosity of the immigrant inflow provide a countervailing force that will cause the secularization process within the total population to plateau before 2043.

 

 

 

This represents an important theoretical point in that demography permits society to become more religious even as individuals tend to become less religious over time.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/jssr_15101.pdf ''Secularism, Fundamentalism or Catholicism? The Religious Composition of the United States to 2043''], ''Journal for the Sientific Study of Religion'', vol. 49, no. 2 (June) 2010, Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon,</ref>]]

This represents an important theoretical point in that demography permits society to become more religious even as individuals tend to become less religious over time.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/jssr_15101.pdf ''Secularism, Fundamentalism or Catholicism? The Religious Composition of the United States to 2043''], ''Journal for the Sientific Study of Religion'', vol. 49, no. 2 (June) 2010, Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon,</ref>]]

In their 2010 journal article entitled, ''Secularism, Fundamentalism or Catholicism? The Religious Composition of the United States to 2043'' published in the ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon wrote:

In their 2010 journal article entitled, ''Secularism, Fundamentalism or Catholicism? The Religious Composition of the United States to 2043'' published in the ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', Vegard Skirbekk and Anne Goujon wrote: