Why do atheists know more about religion than religous people?

Most Atheists become Atheists because they read the bible and research things they have problems with, or contradictions. When things in the bible don't add up, they begin wondering if said religion is true.

At least, that is my experience. You figure an Atheist values reason and logic. Well, that was part of their process during de-conversion. And in the case of an Atheist always being an Atheist, well, they can research too, out of curiosity, and find that everything in the bible or other religious books just don't make sense.

I take it as this: Atheists question. Theists don't. And if Theists question, they become Atheists, or either struggle through their Theism for the rest of their life.

I suppose some do, some don't, however maybe some athees were once believers in the Bible, have read it, and now have taken a stand against it, you know? This would be logical to rightfully state on one point at least, that athees could have more knowledge than some Christians would because they were "ONCE BELIEVERS" themselves, so naturally they would possess some level of knowledge.

Secondly, we cannot conclude by one little statistic that was conducted by athees (I saw that on CNN), that all athees have more knowledge than do Christians on the Bible. It would depend on each INDIVIDUAL person.

Third, to be a Christian, one does not have to have all knowledge and rememberance of all scriptures in the Bible. They need to have some knowledge, sure, however they need to behave in a "Christ-like" manner, and imitate God and Christ in the process of professing to be a "true Christian".

There are some variables as not everything is as black and white as you would perceive in your question. See?

Now then, God Bless.

EDIT: Annie has hit it on the head also. She makes a lot of sense. Now knowing that there were various religions that were part of the statistic, it is logical that NOT ONE MAIN religion was the focus of the survey; multiple religions were, so that's a bit more convaluted than say the focus being on only one religion or spiritual belief and/or book.

My father was born and raised Catholic, my mother's side was Lutheran, and I grew up atheist because both parents decided they were "undecided" and would rather have me find my own religion in life. Based on my background, (my father was valedictorian of brown university in 1972 in engineering) He is a smart man who taught me to consider all religions and not be against anyone. Education is my religion and I have since taken 5 world religion courses at Cal State University. I, as an atheist, try to understand all religions in an objective point of view, as opposed to people who are immersed in religion. I believe as an atheist, I can see outside the box, and not be biased, yet I can still appreciate customs and morals associated with each religion.

I hope this answered your question. Basically, as an atheist, I have no religion, therefore I am more open to EVERY religion and its details, I am also not in denial about the "dirty parts:" of religion because I am not affiliated with any one religion and therefore not biased.

I believe the answere to that is, when an atheist reads the bible and reads something like the story of Abraham thet automaticly think, scam and a lair and pimp, but the Christian thinks nothing and asks his profesional paid preacher or minister and naturaly the pro says, trust god in all his wisdom. There you have it.

Well, Red, there is a big gap between those who identify themselves as religious (for personal or political gain) and those who actually practice the principles outlined in The Bible. I am a Christian... but I know a lot of other "Christians" who haven't cracked open a bible in their lives and know only what they have been told to believe by political pundits and the like.

Because the more you actually analyze religion, the more difficult it is to believe, and the more likely you are to join atheism.

Essentially, I don't think it is that atheists necessarily know more about religion, I think it is that those who know more about religion will inevitably be or become atheist.

Hannah is case in point. :D

Carly, are you able to name even one atheist who is jealous of religious people? I suppose as a religious type you are used to providing unsubstantiated arguments.

Because being a believer means NOT INVESTIGATING.

We atheists will never take a stand against investigating and learning something (unless it may kill to find out). We're generally altruistic that way.

Because atheism is a position typically arrived at through study of religion.

If a person knew little of religion, he would have no reason to identify himself as an atheist.

ROFL, keep telling your self that... You do realize it was a *poll* of less than 4000 people, and it was a *general* questionnaire ?? It covered a lot of *religions* and people of different faiths ?? And please note the DID NOT out score evangelicals on questions *specific* to the Bible.... Most Christians do not study other religions and or faiths.... Why should we ? To even think we should is silly and preposterous.... I am a Child of God, Christian if you prefer.... Muslims are muslims.... etc..... I have studied a few other *religions* but I do not retain the information.... It has nothing to do with me or what I believe.... go in peace... God bless

PS, by the TD's I see people don't know how to read or even get their FACTS straight...... ROFL......

no person is organic something. Atheism may well be argues as a faith and not a faith. i do no longer see it as a faith. you do no longer do something, no praying to god, no listening to human beings carry forth, no thinking of angering god, et cetera. it is particularly outstanding. whilst while you're non secular you will desire to assuage god. you will desire to compliment god. you will desire to attempt to no longer anger god, et cetera. it is the non-atheist that actively campaigns to alter issues. maximum atheist are content with their existence yet, discontent with human beings attempting to transform them.