My answer to Why do some atheists and agnostics know more about religion than some believers?
velitatio:
A recent study showed that for example in America most atheists used to be religious and often very religious. Many of them lost their faith due to their efforts to gain more knowledge about their own religion. There are also examples of men and women working towards becoming ministers when they give up their religion.
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/…
Most people do not read their religious texts, and if they do they only read selected passages. Most christians have never read the bible and have not investigated its origins. Most people simply assume that what their religious leader says is true.
Studies also seem to show that the more educated a person is the less likely that person is to be religious. The religious doctrines of Christianity, Judaism and Islam clash with scientific data. It seems those who have sought higher education trust evidence gathered by the scientific method rather than their religious texts.
Atheists are often very interested in religion as a social phenomenon. Most atheists do not accept the privileged role religions play in society and the influence religious leaders have. Most atheists are interested in gathering information about religion.
Why do some atheists and agnostics know more about religion than some believers?
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