I think the point of pointing out that 21% of self-claimed atheists actually believe there's some sort of higher power was simply to point out that claims of atheism are not accurate. Do other studies on atheism ask if they believe in a higher power, or do they simply ask what the people consider themselves religiously?
I can see that 92% being entirely accurate. You have to keep in mind that a God, or universal spirit, includes Pagan gods, "Mother Nature" or a goddess, unknown higher force, "karma" (to put it very ignorantly) etc.
Elph: From what I've read, the 2001 survey indicates that about 14 percent don't affiliate themselves with any religion at all. This includes agnostics and atheist and humanists and other such groups, all lumped into one.
The Pew forum's poll, which I just checked out, reflects this:
Quote:
Unaffiliated
16.1%
- Atheist
1.6%
- Agnostic
2.4%
- Nothing in particular
12.1%
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