Has a believer ever actually correctly described the reasons why any given atheist is an atheist?

The problem is that some people claim to be atheist when, in fact, they are not atheist by definition. An atheist is not some one that thinks God is evil. An atheist is not some one that rejects God to live as a homosexual. Atheists do not, by force, have to believe in evolution. An atheist can belong to a religion, like buddhism.

Let me clarify my thoughts: By default a person does not believe in a deity at birth, and therefore can be considered an atheist. You don't need a reason to be athiest, you need a reason to be a theist. "Real" atheists don't reject God, because that would imply there is something to reject.

As a christian I understand that. However, while it may not be the case in yahoo answers, in real life I've met many people who call themselves "atheists" just to be cool with their friends and seem rebellious to their parents -- but they still hang on to many of the beliefs of Christianity or whatever religion they were born into.

I have no way of answering that. I can't know SOME Christians' reasons for not taking you at your word anymore than I can truly know your reasons for being an atheist. You would have to ask said Christians directly, and even then you would have to take their word for it.

Really, though, why worry so about what others think? You know your reasons for choosing the path that you have; what anyone else has to say on the matter is irrelevant. The same applies to everyone else, regardless of their specific beliefs.

EDIT: Alright, I consider myself a pretty patient guy, but you're starting to tick me off a little bit with all this generalization and stereotyping. SOME. S-O-M-E. Just slap it in front of words like "Christians" and suddenly you're not inaccurately portraying (not to mention insulting) thousands upon thousands of people with statements like "you're all morons." Very rational and objective assertion, by the way. You'd do well to rein in your temper a bit.

Yeah, they do not really get it.

This is from a website on how to concert Atheists to Christianity. It’s hilarious.

http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=2090

Don’t be stupid

1. Don’t quote the Bible.

2. Don’t mention creationism or deny evolution.

3. Don’t pretend Christianity is morally superior.

4. Don’t tell atheists what they think.

5. Don’t use threats.

6. Don’t psychologize.

7. Don’t evade serious questions.

8. Don’t assert things you can’t defend.

Good things to do

1. Consider atheism seriously and honestly.

2. Explore the truth openly.

3. Admit mistakes.

4. Come prepared.

5. Gently point out flaws in the atheist’s reasoning.

6. Appeal to reason and evidence, not faith or personal experience or Scripture.

7. Show good humor.

8. Offer a trade.

9. Invite them into a world of friendliness, community, and emotional support.

I follow the wren. It has never betrayed me. No matter how many times I hear a preacher speaking of Iesus and god, they never tell the same story the same way twice. 50 preachers will give 50 versions of their faith. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce claimed, rightly so, that the truth requires few words. Ever count the pages of a bible? Or go to a christian bookstore and see how many people have an enlightened version of their faith? The truth requires few words.

as an ex atheist

married to an atheist

open to all beliefs

with my focus on being tolerant and understanding of others

I will say that you are an atheist simply because you dont believe in any deities

nothing more , nothing less

it is the only thing that is common between atheists

I will ask though , that you dont generalise all theists now

To me it's all what you believe in. If you believe the logic you hold that the beliefs your religions holds are true, then they must be true. If you don't, they it's not true. It's all what you believe to be so to hold truth to and accept. One may accept on argument, but not necessarily believe it to be true :) Plus your statement seems to be based on the stereotypical christian view in some areas, I'm just saying :) Not all are like that, but people just have to accept other opinions, no matter how ludicrous it may seem, or how they want to impose it on you.

I don't get what your saying but I'm an atheist because i do not believe in god. I admit I may be wrong though so I will not try to put down others beliefs.

I have seen some theists on R&S who recognise that most atheists simply don't see any good reason to believe. Their answers are usually drowned out by the more ignorant, inflammatory "YEW JUST WANNA LIVE IN YER SINS!" crap.

the Bible says that unbelievers suppress the truth in unrighteousness. So, the Christian worldview understands an atheist as suppressing the truth, regardless of why they say they don't believe. it's that simple.

regarding experiences, i would argue that the Christian worldview is the only worldview that makes complete sense of human experience, by the very fact that no other worldview can!

you'll dismiss that - but study it... see for yourself.. or believe whatever you want by blind faith, ...up to you...

Because they don't believe in God, is why they're atheists. That's your committal from a Christian, and here's my two points.