From the Boston Globe's story on the Pew Forum's survey of American religious life:

"Another finding almost defies explanation: 21 percent of self-identified atheists said they believe in God or a universal spirit, with 8 percent 'absolutely certain' of it."

To say this is a contradiction in terms is the understatement of our young millennium. It is literally impossible for an atheist to believe in God. I just checked with Webster's Dictionary and the definition of an atheist has not changed:
"n. a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings."

In my mind, there can only be two explanations:
1. the survey questions were poorly worded, which seems unlikely given the reputation of the Pew Forum, or
2. Fears or concerns on the part of self-professed atheists to speak freely about their disbelief. I would lean toward this one.
Any other theories out there? I'd be interested in hearing them.
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Toledo, Ohio
June 25, 2008