In Sinclair Lewis's novel "It Can't Happen Here," the protagonist identifies as an "agnostic" rather than an "atheist." This distinction reflects his disdain for militant atheism and aggressive evangelism often associated with professional atheists. He finds their approach to be overly confrontational and distasteful.

This choice of terminology highlights a critical perspective on the debate between belief and non-belief. The protagonist's reluctance to align with the atheist label suggests a desire for a more thoughtful, nuanced discussion about faith, emphasizing his preference for personal inquiry over public dogma.