Maybe weak Panentheists like me?
Not enough energy to be atheists, I guess.
Maybe it's a matter of name attribution. Many theists get uncomfortable at the suggestion of God having a name. They believe in A God, but not necessarily 'God.' They would prefer the term 'God' not be used as a proper noun, IOW.
So my guess is that the other 6 percent are theists of a more philosophically rigid variety (or miscounted agnostics). As regards the latter, parenthetical point, I've encountered many atheists over the years who are not so bold as to say "God does not exist (an implied statement of faith in its own right devoid of some basis for the assumption)," but are more apt to leave the question open.
In any case, debate with atheists has taught me one important lesson: the definition is a bit murky. :-)
I can only offer my own perspective, but I do not like to give "God" a name because I don't believe "God" is a personified entity with desires, emotions, wishes to smite, etc.
Assigning a proper name to "God" would make as much sense as assigning a proper name to the ocean, the vacuum of space, or the electromagnetic spectrum.
Atheists.
You don't believe in GOD - Atheist. You don't know if there IS a GOD? Agnostic.
You don't believe in GOD there is only one answer. Atheist. Period. and AMEN.
Provided such entity doesn't assume, possess or assert 'creative potential,' you'd be right. :-)
Be that as it may the whole controversy reminds me of two programs on a holodeck arguing over whether 'the Pickard' exists. Until He calls for the arch, the debate will forever remain open-ended. :-)
Well now, lessee. What if I don't believe God exists, but I'm not certain of the accuracy of my analysis? How should I answer? Am I an agno-atheist? :-)
Panentheism is a mighty big umbrella. There are multiple variations on (or 'sects' within) the theme; Christian Panentheists are prolly the most common (like gnostics and, I suspect, Saints John and Paul), but there are Jewish Panentheists, Buddhist Panentheists, etc. as well. This should go without saying, but alas...
Some might not look at themselves as atheists. I found this an article describing seven types of non-belivers:
1. Atheist
2. Anti-theist
3. Agnostic
4. Skeptic
5. Freethinker
6. Humanist
7. Pantheist
Link for the article with more to each of the seven types: http://www.alternet.org/story/155685/no_religion_7_types_of_non-believers
I don't agree.
Excellent response!
Wrongly interpreted. That's what makes them being non-believers. Not atheists necessarily.
The invisible Atheist!
I think at least part of the reason for the disparity can be found here.
http://www.pewforum.org/2014/07/16/how-americans-feel-about-religious-groups/
People who don't wish to identify as atheist.
Many in the atheist community don't just assert that theism is false. They believe it is toxic to the culture and should be actively opposed.
Some might disbelieve, but stop short of asserting that others shouldn't believe either and therefore not wish to associate themselves with those that do.