In order to distinguish the various types of American nonbelievers, researchers at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga polled and interviewed the nonbelievers so as to find out what kind of people rejected religious faith and why they did so. The researchers were then able to divide the nonbelievers into six categories. Some of these categories proved surprising. The results of the research show that the majority of nonbelievers take some kind of action in the world today to either promote atheism, humanism or secularism. Below are the various kinds of atheists and nonbelievers.

1. The intellectual Atheist/Agnostic.

   This is the most common type of nonbeliever at close to 38 percent. The individuals in this group enjoy intellectual discourse and are more often than not, very certain about their beliefs. However, they are usually not belligerent about it. This particular type of nonbeliever is commonly mistaken for dogmatic atheists due to the fact that they usually either join skeptic groups or find other avenues to discuss their nonbelief with others. The researchers noted however, that these nonbelievers associated themselves with their fellow intellectuals regardless of their ontological position as long as their friends had a wide knowledge of the various issues of philosophy, science, a common sociopolitical religious dialog and rational theology. Although the intellectual atheists like to debate about religion, they don't normally go after believers to argue about religion.

2. The Activists.

   Just like the intellectual atheists, activists too are accused of being dogmatic. However, on the contrary, they are firm about their beliefs and are also intellectually flexible. In addition to that, they don't give believers a hard time by attacking them. Alternatively, they are more motivated by the strong humanistic values to make a change in the world today. Issues such as gay rights, feminism and the environment are usually a top priority for the activists and in addition to that, they advocate for a better atheist community that is more egalitarian. According to researchers, they usually seek to be not only vocal but also proactive about current issues in the agnostic sociopolitical or atheist circle. The activists are the second largest category of nonbelievers and they comprise 23 percent of nonbelievers.

3. The Seeker-Agnostic.

   Comprising 7.6 percent of the nonbelievers, this group is not likely to be critical of religion as much as the other groups of atheists. Moreover, they prioritize the lack of knowledge about various issues. They commonly use the phrase, "I don't know, but neither do you." Although they don't have religious belief, they are known to be uncomfortable completely committing to nonbelief. Other atheists often accuse them of intellectual cowardice. However, researchers defend them by saying that for them, uncertainty is embraced.

4. The Anti-Theist.

   They constitute 15 percent of the nonbelievers in America. Similar to the Intellectual Atheists, they also like to argue about religion. However, they are far more aggressive. In addition to that, they actively seek out religious people in a bid to disabuse them of their religious beliefs. Unlike most atheists who limit themselves to supporting a society that is more secular, the anti-theists consider ending religion as their ultimate goal. Although most of them are aggressively angry, researchers say that it is not necessarily a bad thing. The researchers provide an example of how many of the anti-theist typology had responded as having been recently re-converted from religious belief and being combative with believers might in turn help them to establish their own sense of self and right to having no religious belief.

5. The Non-Theist.

   Not only do these people not believe in any gods, but they also don't often think about those who do believe in gods. This group consists of only 4.4 percent of the nonbelievers, most likely because it is nearly impossible to simply opt out of a religious position in a religious society. Researchers go on to explain that a non-theist simply does not concern him or herself with religion. Since members of this group simply shrug when asked about their opinion on religion, they are sometimes referred to as 'shruggies' in some atheist circles. However, some of them are indifferent because they live in a sub culture in which belief doesn't matter.

6. The Ritual Atheists or Agnostic.

   Contrary to popular belief that the anti-theist type of nonbeliever is the one who scares Christians the most, it is actually the ritual atheists who do. They make up 12.5 percent of atheists. They don't believe in the supernatural; however, they do believe in the community aspects of religious tradition and continue participating. Interestingly, the ritual atheists align themselves with religious traditions such as having a Christmas tree during the Christmas holidays despite the fact that they claim no belief. The researchers explain that such a participation may be related to an individual's ethnic identity. For example, if one is Jewish, he or she may carry on with religious tradition. In addition to that, some perceive that the unity of such practices make them seem like and become a better person. It is interesting to note that in one Christian response, this group was considered the most alarming to an extent of titling this study "Researchers: 'Ritual' Atheists and Agnostics Could Be Sitting Next to You in Church.” In addition, the Christian reaction also gave the first few paragraphs over to the concern that people in your very own congregation may surprisingly not actually believe in your god. They warn that the atheism seems to be coming from a place none other than inside the house of God.

Unlike most of the nonbelievers who don't really do much about their lack of belief, there are plenty of reasons to hope for those atheists who are trying to create an atheist community that is more organized. The discussion of nonbelief is common among the activists, the intellectuals and the anti-theist. In addition, their nonbelief has a high impact on their activities. Together, the Intellectual, the Anti-theist and the Activists make up three-quarters of the nonbelievers. Clearly, they make up a large group that has so much in common and maybe their energy could be harnessed as a force of good.