Atheists and agnostics understand religion best.

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Recent faith-based conflicts--such as the proposed mosque being built near New York's Ground Zero and a Florida pastor's threat to burn the Koran--demonstrate that religious misunderstanding exists in the U.S., asserts Debra Mason, professor of journalism studies at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and director of the Center on Religion and the Professions. She says that a Pew Research Center survey confirms the lack of religious knowledge in the country.

"The more you know about religion, the less likely you will be swayed by misinformation, and right now many people are being swayed," Mason contends. "We are in an era in which conflict about religion in the public sphere is at an extreme level."

The survey shows few people know even the most basic facts about religion. While nearly 75% of respondents called themselves Christians, fewer than 25% could name the first four books of the New Testament--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John--also known as the Gospels. Fewer than 40% of respondents from all faiths correctly identified Vishnu and Shiva with Hinduism.

Atheists and agnostics appear to know the most about other faiths, followed by Mormons and Jews. According to the survey, Americans believe that constitutional resections are stronger than they actually are, with more than...