Is atheism a belief?

[Whateverist]

Although the literal definition of “atheist” is “a person who does not believe in the existence of a god or any gods,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, 8% of those who call themselves atheists also say they believe in God or a universal spirit. Indeed, 2% say they are “absolutely certain” about the existence of God or a universal spirit. Alternatively, there are many people who fit the dictionary definition of “atheist” but do not call themselves atheists. About three times as many Americans say they do not believe in God or a universal spirit (9%) as say they are atheists (3%).

Then they aren't atheists they can call themselves whatever they please they simply aren't  

This is what comes of arguing over poorly defined terms.  If I think what gives rise to god belief is an aspect of mind/consciousness, something that is altogether natural, and I say I think there is in fact something to it, then which am I?  I identify as atheist because I don't call that aspect of mind "God" and I certainly don't believe in anything at all supernatural, whatever you choose to call it.  However I do think this aspect of mind can productively be regarded as something of importance.  It is something separate from the narrow I under my direct control, but something larger of which I am part.  Religion, done right (which it rarely is), can help people achieve a balance within this larger thing of which "narrow I" is a part - and it can do this even if what they literally believe is entirely untrue.