Why do some atheists in R+S list their source as "atheist"?

Try this: "Wow, that's interesting. Where did you learn that?"

"I'm an astronomer."

In other words, the profession, training, occupation (or philosophical stance) of the individual suggests the source of their _thinking_ on the matter.

A person who responds with "atheist" as a source tells me a lot about why they responded the way they did.

Atheists KNOW there are no such things as gods whilst you only have faith that they exist!!!

Perhaps you might consider why when all the other religions and atheists live in peace christians feel the need to be so intolerant, hate filled, egotistical and persecuting?

Atheists and the other religions already recognize that it is not about belief, God or Jesus but about the intolerance, hatred and persecution from those terribly BAD christian attitudes and conduct!!

As soon as Christians rediscover the loving god and start acting like it the problem will cease!!!!

Of course until then christianity will increasingly get called the "Nasty Religion"!!

It's actually a very true statement. Atheist is a well defined philosophy or could even be classed as an anti religion,, religion. If you asked me a question like "why do you need to confess your sins to a priest?" And I respond with "blah blah blah whatever" It would be very correct to put "Catholic" as my source because that is where I am drawing my facts from. My membership and training in the Catholic religion.

Even though I am sure it is satire to write "Atheist"; I truly believe it is more telling then they know.

Yes, you're clear as to why you're confused.

I actually think it's overly-polite of most Atheists on R&S to cite "Atheist" as their source in order to circumvent confusion. They've been active in this category for awhile, and know that religious people are easily confused.

Tell you what: I'll ask them to put a stop to the practice at the next R&S Atheist Meeting...

because they're giving an opinion, and the opinion is coming from them. It's a personal observation. Christians and others do the same thing when they're giving their opinion as well. That's what atheism is about, it's a bout observing the world from your opinion not by following what a holy book tells them to do. At least, that's what atheists believe

Whether the source is a Christian or Atheist, i try to sight the source, for people to look up for themselves. Often Time Atheists prove the Christian point of view. Frank O. Muncaster is one of them! Merry Christmas!

Source isn't necessarily a source of knowledge. It could be the source of a particular world-view, one which might spring from being an atheist.

They're declaring their perspective. I do it too, but within context. If I'm answering about Catholicism, I will put Former Roman Catholic. If the question is about religious perspective or magic, I put (Current)Neopagan. It's not a hard and fast thing.

Keep in mind that some people put "atheist" in their source box to avoid any confusion. Some questions require answerers to include their religious viewpoint in the answer.

Source of information and source of knowledge.

For example, your source of information of your wife having a lover might be from your mother, but that does not mean the knowledge of your wife's lover come from your mother.