I've engaged in many threads relating to theism or origins over the years, but few dedicated to atheism. We all know about the variety of religious views, but what about the irreligious? Can't they have variety, too?
Many religious people see atheists as godless enemies of morality & society, but that is an unfair stereotype. Well, ok, they have to embrace 'godless', since they are that by definition. But that does not necessitate them being amoral or immoral relativists, & certainly not enemies. I'll present a list of atheists that i have observed over the years.
1.
Gentle Cynic
This is the atheist that is very subtle & private about his beliefs. He is generally a skeptic, but does not hold any animosity toward religious people, or the concept of God.
The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not. ~Eric Hoffer
2.
Social Shocker
This is the kind that thrusts their atheism like a sword, to shock & appall polite society. He tries to be avant garde, hip, and appear intellectual, & atheism gives him the attention he craves.
3.
Tantrum Thrower
These folks aren't really atheists.. they are mad at God, for some personal reason, & are on a crusade against Him. They cannot discuss philosophical points without becoming enraged at those who believe.
Nobody talks so constantly about God as those who insist that there is no God. ~Heywood Broun
4.
Political Activist/Rebel with a Cause
These are quite common these days. These atheists promote their political agenda, which they worship more than any god. They immerse themselves in their ideology, which can blend marxism or anarchy, & tend to be grievance oriented, seeing evil & injustice everywhere. They don't really like other people, & tend toward an elitist view of themselves.
5.
Selection Confused
This is the atheist that is more of an agnostic, but still adopts the title of atheist. They are bewildered by all the different religions, & throw their hands up & declare that it is impossible to know anything, since they are confused.
6.
Embittered Child
This is very similar to the tantrum thrower, as the existence of God is not really the point, but an interpersonal problem, usually with a parent. They were forced to go to church, or they saw some weakness or hypocrisy in someone, & their atheism is a reaction to that, not something they've thought out.
He was an embittered atheist (the sort of atheist who does not so much disbelieve in God as personally dislike Him). ~George Orwell
7.
Gullible Doctrinaire
These are products of indoctrination from the secular humanist, marxist based educational system. Atheism is a tenet of marxism, & these people have been thoroughly indoctrinated into the ideology. They are usually rabid evolutionists, & believe very strongly that life spontaneously happened, and hold alternate theories in disdain.
Our program necessarily includes the propaganda of atheism. ~Vladimir Lenin
8.
Anti-Christian
This isn't really a single category, as this concept runs through many of the others. But it is usually a result of some bad experience with a religious person, or offense taken for the imagined grievances of others, such as gays or murderers, who are usually condemned by religious people.
If there are others, be sure to chime in & add them to the list. ..or, if someone has a different experience with an atheist, or is one & wants to give a personal testimony about how they arrived at that view. This is a light hearted bit of fun with atheists, who can enjoy poking fun at themselves, & maybe give a shot back at theists, too.
I considered atheism, but there weren't enough holidays. ~Henny Youngman