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== Origins ==
== Origins ==
Based on quotes in the Bible, atheism goes back to at least 1000 B.C. "The Fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14). In actuality, atheism has probably been around almost as long as theism, although in recorded history it has always been a minority view.
Based on quotes in the Bible, atheism goes back to at least 1000 B.C. "The Fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14). In actuality, atheism has probably been around almost as long as theism, although in recorded history it has always been a minority view.{{fact}}
== Atheist Population ==
== Atheist Population ==
It is difficult to accurately determine the proportion of the population that is atheist because survey definitions, and even real life definitions, are often unclear. Some people are unsure of the existance of God, making them [[agnostic]], but they are sometimes counted as atheists. Furthermore, surveys containing an option for "no religion" are not necessarily identifying atheists. Individuals may believe in some form of god but not subscribe to any particular religion.
It is difficult to accurately determine the proportion of the population that is atheist because survey definitions, and even real life definitions, are often unclear. Some people are unsure of the existance of God, making them [[agnostic]], but they are sometimes counted as atheists. Furthermore, surveys containing an option for "no religion" are not necessarily identifying atheists. Individuals may believe in some form of god but not subscribe to any particular religion.
Specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France.
Specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France. If agnostics are included, then the proportions are 18%, 52% and 64% respectively.
== Public Disapproval of Atheists in America ==
== Public Disapproval of Atheists in America ==
*[http://creationwiki.org/Decline_of_atheism Decline of Atheism -CreationWiki]
*[http://creationwiki.org/Decline_of_atheism Decline of Atheism -CreationWiki]
*[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf European Commission report on Social values, Science and Technology, includes info on Religious beliefs]
*[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf European Commission report on Social values, Science and Technology, includes info on Religious beliefs]
*[http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_dira.htm Divorce rates of various religious groups]
*[http://www.positiveatheism.org/writ/ghwbush.htm George H.W. Bush thinks that atheists should not be considered citizens]
==References==
==References==