News — Doubt

— Atheists are disliked in America—constantly denigrated in public surveys—which may explain why many doubters conceal their lack of belief. However, a 2017 poll by University of Kentucky researchers found that perhaps one-fourth of Americans are either overt skeptics or “closet atheists”: a far higher ratio than previously thought. Here’s the background: Two-thirds of Americans say they have negative opinions about disbelievers. More than one-third think atheists shouldn’t be allowed to teach in public schools, or hold office, or even hold rallies (talk about taking away the Constitutional right to peacefully assemble!). Revealing doubt about the supernatural can cause a...