I ask people when they proclaim they are an atheist.
Because people are all over the map when it comes to defining and understanding themselves. I am not real keen on labels, but I realize labels hone in on a certain way of seeing things. It helps cut to the chase.
I am not threatened or diminished by anyone's belief system. Except assholes.
I believe in a higher power, I always have but I am fine tuning just what that means, as I age.
The fact that some atheists believe in *nothing* is something. I am an ornery optimist that way.