List of second-generation atheists

Second-generation atheists are atheists who have at least one atheist parent. This status wouldn't be particularly notable if not for the fact that atheism is generally frowned upon by communities that have been dominated by religion since practically forever. It's only been in the last 50 years or so that a lack of religion has become socially acceptable - therefore grown adults with strong atheist parents are fairly rare.

In addition, certain individuals of strong religious convictions have claimed that their religion is so self-evident that 'second-generation atheist' is an oxymoron, and that a child of atheist parents cannot help but return to the True Faith. This list serves as a quick refutation of that absurd idea.

The list

 * , Canadian novelist
 * , Canadian actor
 * , President of American Atheists
 * , American comedian
 * Huw Powell, parents were at best "C of E" habitués. Published (bad) writer, quasi-successful small business owner, and general ne'er do well.
 * , American philosopher and son of

Another list
There are also third-generation atheists and "skip-a-generation" atheists.


 * , American composer and author
 * Simon Busch, travel writer
 * , American political writer
 * , granddaughter of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the founder of American Atheists. She served as editor-in-chief of the organization's press division, but, sadly, was murdered along with her grandmother and uncle Jon in 1995.
 * Gore Vidal, American author and playwright