Hare Krishna

[Whateverist]

Why would someone call themselves an atheist if they don't have an active disbelief in God?

Far be it from me to ignore low lying fruit. I call myself an atheist because I am unaware of holding any belief in any gods. I find no such belief evidenced by any of my actions or values or dreams for that matter. Nada. Ergo, I call myself an atheist, one without belief in gods.

I'm surprised that you place as much importance in the traditional place gods have played in answering questions some people have had. I don't find myself so impressed by history and custom that I require a justification to depart from the norm. Perhaps you are different in that way? That's fine. If you're wondering how can I be so different than you, you just have too much time on your hands for wondering.