Is it true that most atheists were once believers?

Question

Is there any evidence to support this?

Answer 1

In a wishy washy my parents religion is my religion sort of way. Strong assertive belief in adulthood, no, not in my experience.

I must add I'm British so the experiences are very different to those in the USA.

Answer 2

'believers' is the tricky word here. I was raised as a Christian, attended church and did bible study. But I wouldn't say I was a believer. Sure, I believed in it, but I was a child (and I believed in Santa, too). When I began thinking for myself I stopped believing and became an atheist.

I think my example is not unusual. Most atheists I know used to be Christians. Whether or not they were believers I couldn't tell you.

As to evidence - I doubt there is any. But there may well be some research somewhere. The reason I doubt it is that researchers have a hard enough time identifying atheists (hence the official figure of 8-16% of the US population being atheist. That's a very high level of uncertainty). To study their origins would be much more difficult.

Answer 3

I don't know about a study, but I have been one for 30 years and I have been involved in a couple of organizations so I know quite a few. It is hard to find an atheist in the US that wasn't a believer at some point. I personally was pretty young and don't know if I ever really bought it. But I know two ex-preachers.

I would also note that nearly all of us have read the Bible. I have and the vast majority of us have. It seems to me that you are much more likely to have read it than Christians. This always amazes me because you would think 100% of Christians would want to know what they believe.

Answer 4

I wouldn't say most, but I would say quite a few. Some never had any religion at all.

I was Catholic for 14 years. That's all the evidence you need from me.

Answer 5

That's probably true, although I doubt that there has been any research into it. Most atheists would be believers who took the time to think about their beliefs, rather than blindly follow 'faith'.

Answer 6

don't know, can't speak for all of them, I do know as a child I believed whole heartedly, and even know later on I wouldn't necessarily call myself an atheist where as I once did, I know would put myself in the agnostic category as well, even though I don't believe it is everything my heart and dreams consist of

Answer 7

I don't think so. I think most atheists started as agnostics, then searched for the logical and scientific truth and realized it was all just one big made up myth. That's when they became atheists.

Answer 8

I dont know about most but I was born into the conservative southron baptist church. Private schools seminary the worx. I am not an athiest but am an agnostic so... maybe

Answer 9

Yes I was till 8. I like any child was brainwashed by my parents and soceity

Answer 10

no. is there evidence to support love? no, it's an absract human emotion too complex to clearly define, this because everyone feels it differently. Same with beliefs, they're all different.