[xzins]

I think the pollster is not separating the idea “God doesn’t exist” from those who accept that philosophy.

Religious people will, of course, reject that as an abominable notion. At the same time, most Christians I’ve ever met absolutely loved talking to atheists. Made them think they’d done their daily duty.

They didn’t dislike the people at all. (With the exception of Richard Dawkins who practices at being insulting.)

In the case of radical cultists, they really believe those to be dangerous people.

[allmendream]

I believe the question was something along the lines of “Do you think a _______ can be a moral person.” and more Americans indicated that they thought a Muslim could be moral than an atheist (never mind that Muslim “morality” includes “honor killing”, homicide bombing, genital mutilation, and beheading nonbelievers).

http://atheism.about.com/od/atheistbigotryprejudice/a/AtheistSurveys.htm

Not sure if this is the same one I read, but it shows the same trend.