Why is an external standard any better than an internal one?
It's very likely that the Christian isn't going meet his standard, most of them don't. The fact is most Christians don't even try to hit all of the marks, there's a lot of pride, envy, covetousness and lust going on and they know they shouldfeel bad about it, but they don't. An honest atheist on the other hand knows that those are just a part of their makeup and accepts them with no qualms.
Very complicated subject. A poll on this subject is a joke; especially so few polled. It boils down to human compassion and openesss. No one on Earth now knows anything, really. It is how we conduct ourselves while we are here. That is what really counts. I have been married, now, to two atheists. I am a believer in Christ. It has never been a problem in both my marriages. I was baptized Methodist. But, whatever. No one is perfect, and has to find their own way. I do have to say that my x mil was so far out there that she donated to every crazy tv evangelist and her money ran out; and she used to say she was better than Jesus.
Like I said, to each his own. Religion will be the downfall of the World. Isis jihadist, anyone? Does anyone know what religion Kim Jong Il follows? All the turmoil in the World is happening because of something intangible. Go figure.
This is interesting:
http://www.billionbibles.org/north-korea/juche-religion.html
And, one more thing. My current "in-laws" are the most devout Catholics I have ever known in my life. They lost a Marine son to PTSD 20 years ago, and stlll believe. They are big timers/volunteers at the Basilica in DC, but can't stand the current Pope. :shrug: More power to them. I admire them. No one will know anything until the day we die, but it is a good thing to have faith.