Atheism's Definition - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

[Darkstar]

Why is us calling ourselves agnostics rather than atheists more important to you than the positions we actually hold?

That question doesn't make sense to me.

Isn't the position you actually hold in line with agnosticism rather than atheism?

"Do you believe in God?"

I don't know - Agnostic

No - Atheist

I believe he doesn't exist - 'hard' atheist

I'm just throwing this out there, not necessarily saying whether it's accurate or not. Also should note that even a 'hard' atheist can be agnostic about it. Maybe negative atheism is for those who are roughly between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Dawkin's scale. Again, just speculation here.