Atheism is popularly polarized as the opposite of belief in a certain deity. This vast oversimplification arises from the presupposition that atheism exists in one easily recognizable form for one obvious reason, namely, that one is stubbornly and of free will unwilling to believe in that deity's existence. In truth, atheism is a multifaceted term encompassing a range of meanings, some of which will be carefully explored in the following analysis.

To begin to uncover atheism's semantic richness, one need only ask why atheists exist. Many reasons can then be found that collectively paint a much less abstract picture of what atheism means to those who identify with it. Until one has attempted to understand why atheists are who they are, one's biases and arguments for and against atheism must be said to be superficial and trite, and should not be taken seriously.

Atheism can be divided into a number of hierarchical types. At the highest level of analysis, atheism can be divided into 'disbelief' (D) and 'belief' (B). 'Disbelief' can then be divided into 'aware' (Da) and 'unaware' (Du) types, while 'belief' can be divided into several types, to be discussed. I will explain each of these types and provide examples during the lowest level of analysis to clarify how atheists identify with them.

First, consider atheism as type D. D represents the absence of belief in one or more deities. This is a relatively passive type as opposed to B, which is relatively active. B contrasts with D as a belief in the nonexistence of one or more deities. As mentioned, D can be divided into Da and Du types. Da can be further divided into 'unmotivated' (Da1), 'incapable' (Da2), and 'unconsidered' (Da3) types, while Du can be further divided into 'able' (Du1) and 'unable' (Du2) types. Below are descriptions with examples for each D type.

Unmotivated (Da1):

This type of atheist is aware that a deity is claimed to exist and is unmotivated to form an opinion about the truth of that claim. For example, the CEO of a large company with three kids and a second mortgage who has heard of Allah but has never desired to set aside time from her busy schedule to learn about Allah can be called an atheist with respect to belief in Allah.

Incapable (Da2):

This type of atheist is aware that a deity is claimed to exist and is motivated to form an opinion about the truth of that claim, but is incapable of grasping what that claim entails. For example, a mentally challenged person who has been told about Jesus but is unable to grasp who Jesus claimed to be can be called an atheist with respect to belief in Jesus.

Unconsidered (Da3):

This type of atheist is aware that a deity is claimed to exist and has simply not considered the truth of that claim. For example, a person who carries an aversion to religion due to an early negative influence by the religion in which that claim is made can be called an atheist with respect to belief in that religion’s deity.

Able (Du1):

This type of atheist is unaware that a deity is claimed to exist and would be able to form an opinion about the truth of that claim if made aware of it. For example, a child who has never heard of Zeus can be called an atheist with respect to belief in Zeus.

Unable (Du2):

This type of atheist is unaware that a deity is claimed to exist and is unable to form an opinion about the truth of that claim. For example, an illiterate member of a remote tribe who has never heard of Jesus and is given a bible that is written in a foreign language by someone who does not speak that member’s language can be called an atheist with respect to belief in Jesus.

Second, consider atheism as type B. These are positive claims as opposed to type D, which are not claims at all, at least explicitly. Atheism of this type can be divided into 'doctrinal' (Bd), 'logical' (Bl), 'ethical' (Be), 'affective' (Ba), and 'intuitive' (Bi) types. Below are descriptions with examples for each B type.

Doctrinal (Bd):

This type of atheist believes that one or more deities do not exist for doctrinal reasons. An example is a person who reads the Bible and concludes that God does not exist due to irreconcilable doctrinal issues.

Logical (Bl):

This type of atheist believes that one or more deities do not exist for logical reasons. An example is a person who studies arguments God’s existence and concludes that all are flawed.

Ethical (Be): This type of atheist believes that one or more deities do not exist for ethical reasons. An example is a person who studies the Problem of Evil and concludes that God does not exist on that basis.

Affective (Ba):

This type of atheist believes that one or more deities do not exist for emotional reasons. An example is a person who experiences recurring tragedy and concludes that God does not exist due to the emotional burden of tolerating absurdity.

Intuitive (Bi):

This type of atheist believes that one or more deities do not exist for intuitive reasons. An example is a person who finds it counterintuitive to believe in God and concludes that God does not exist on that basis.

These types of atheism do not represent the complete range of its possible meanings, but they do offer a glimpse into the depths of disbelief in a deity’s existence and belief in a deity’s nonexistence. One benefit of exploring types of atheism is that one finds that all people are atheists of one type or another. This realization allows atheists and theists the opportunity to communicate the commonalities between their otherwise disparate worldviews. While it is apparent that theistic types are much more complex than atheistic types, atheism cannot meaningfully be argued as a single opposition to theism.