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alt title(s): Straw Atheist

Atheists in real life can be a rather diverse group - after all, the only thing confirmed by the label "atheist" is that the person does not believe in any god or gods. In fiction, on the other hand, while it is reasonably common to see a character who is never shown practicing or even mentioning religion, it's generally only characters with a fair degree of cynicism and bitterness who can state outright that they don't believe there is a god. Some of the more common character traits are:

  • A Dead Little Sister was the direct cause of their 'conversion' to atheism, as well as a paradoxical anger at a God who lets such things happen. Consequently, the Hollywood Atheist can easily be made to reverse or reexamine their lack-of-belief if something good happens, even if nothing explicitly supernatural is going on. Conversely, when something bad happens (especially their own death approaching) the atheist will suddenly become a believer and start praying for help. Apparently, there are no atheists in foxholes.
  • Atheists are somehow simply unaware of The Bible and Christianity, and will happily convert on the spot when informed of the rudiments of Christian dogma. Expect them in an Author Tract.
  • Atheists only seem to have arguments against their culture's predominant religion. There is never any evidence that they've looked into non-mainstream religions for something they can find more plausible.
  • Atheists are all materialist monists and probably technophiles/transhumanists/roboticists as well (and we all know how crazy those freaks are). Expect a Straw Vulcan in there somewhere too.
  • Atheists are depressed, lonely, antisocial and often Nietzsche Wannabes.
  • Atheists exist solely to belittle religious people.
  • Atheists are straight-out evil, having apparently rejected all concept of right and wrong when they rejected religion. Chick Tracts love these, too. Compare and contrast Faith Heel Turn.

A milder version which is becoming more common lately is that the atheist hasn't had a great life, is maybe a bit of a loser, and is just generally a bit bitter but not outright evil or into the realms of the Nietzsche Wannabe. Probably has funny yet depressing snarky comments about what a Jerkass God would be if he existed. See pretty much every character Steve Buscemi has ever played.

A possible reason for this trope being so common is that a lot of the entertainment we get comes from the USA, where religion is very prominent and atheists are less common. Alternatively, the writers who use these tropes may simply be extrapolating (or exaggerating) from common stereotypes about atheists or basing them on experiences with atheists they have known personally (let's be honest, we've ALL met or heard about an atheist who at least somewhat resembles one or more of these tropes, just like we've all met or heard about a fundamentalist Bible thumper who at least somewhat resembled a cheap stereotype).

See also Acceptable Targets. A major exception is science fiction which often goes so far as to state that humanity has Outgrown Such Silly Superstitions; for atheists living in fantasy settings where the existence of gods is irrefutable, see Flat Earth Atheist.

Compare with Holier Than Thou. See also Useful Notes on Atheism.


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