I once worked at a Catholic University (long story) and, as part of the job, spent a good bit of time with many of the Priests that worked there. It was rare to run across one who had the simplistic view of god that most American Evangelicals seem to hold. Most Catholics have long accepted evolution and many are more conversant than most in the areas of cosmology and physics. I had many very enjoyable conversations with several Priests or Training-to-be-Priests. None of them were the least bit offended that I was an atheist, and seemed to enjoy the fact that I could hold my own in our discussions. Oh, they were confident that there was a god, but I got the feeling that "god" to them was something far to subtle and complex to be grasped by the human mind or explained within the constraints of human language. (They were, almost to a person, bi-lingual; with an understanding of the limits of language than most Americans simply can't understand.)
I also know some Protestant minsters. Though they tend to be a bit more dogmatic than their Catholic counterparts, some that I know are quite defiantly atheists. None (that I know of) were non-believers when they entered the ministry, but it isn't a surprise that years of exposure to simplistic Protestant dogmatism eroded their faith until it disappeared. Sadly, they have to keep their lack of faith to themselves, even after they retire. Many Protestant denominations have private retirement programs, and few Ministers stay in one place long enough to own a home, one is usually provided with the church. They would be left in a seriously financial lurch should their superiors toss them from "the faith", and it is a risk they simply can't take.
So they do what human beings always do, whatever they need to to survive.
I also know some Protestant minsters. Though they tend to be a bit more dogmatic than their Catholic counterparts, some that I know are quite defiantly atheists. None (that I know of) were non-believers when they entered the ministry, but it isn't a surprise that years of exposure to simplistic Protestant dogmatism eroded their faith until it disappeared. Sadly, they have to keep their lack of faith to themselves, even after they retire. Many Protestant denominations have private retirement programs, and few Ministers stay in one place long enough to own a home, one is usually provided with the church. They would be left in a seriously financial lurch should their superiors toss them from "the faith", and it is a risk they simply can't take.
So they do what human beings always do, whatever they need to to survive.
