I think people say this because they are scared to just out and say that they don't believe in God but they are too scared to really come out and say it for fear of some hardcore religious people giving them a hard time. Some people just don't want to deal with the drama.

I never said this phrase myself, but I have a close friend who I believe would qualify under this sort of category.

She was born to and raised by an Irish Catholic family so she was always surrounded by religion. I'm sure when she was younger, she kinda just went along with whatever her folks said to appease them, but I can't say how much she actually believed in the religion (or even understood it).

As she matured into an adult and gained a greater understanding of things and the world around her, she drifted from those Catholic roots. She still carries out that "good Christian" behavior and is a spiritual person. She believes in a God and tries her best to live her life following the examples of Jesus. That said, she does not attend church or participate in any form of organized religion. I get the impression when talking to her that she doesn't feel there's such a thing as a "right" or "correct" religion. She just stays true to her own personal values and tries to be the best person she can be, but I wouldn't consider her to be a religious person. She doesn't really talk about religion.

Does that count?