Atheist characters on TV?

Question

I was watching House last night (pretty much a first for me) and I noticed that he mentioned that the female love-interest (I assume) was a "naive atheist."

What other ways are atheists portrayed in film?

Thanks guys! Too many god answers, so off to vote it goes.

Answer 1

House is an atheist.

So is Dr. Cox from Scrubs.

I'm trying to think of others...

Answer 2

As an avid House fan and atheist, I found that pretty interesting and bold of the writers of House.

Generally, in the rare case that atheism is mentioned on the silver screen, atheists are portrayed as overly mechanical scientists, as cold people, and often as villians.

The character Cameron (the female immunologist) on House is a first, I think, as a character with a solid reputation as being too caring about others and unwilling to make ethical violations for the sake of knowledge being portrayed as an atheist.

I think it's a good thing; it helps propagate the idea that not all atheists are the same type of person.

Answer 3

I can't comment as last night's House was the only one I can think of. I did like the Golden Compass, but would not have seen the overtones if I had not been looking for them.

Edit:
"The dude" has a good thought, Star Trek and the spin offs were most likely atheist, they fought god wannabes and never mentioned religion. Adama from the new Battle Star Galactica is probably an atheist, in one of the first episodes he uses their religion to give the crew hope.

Answer 4

While Stephen Colbert is a Catholic, on his show he is constantly trying to prove Christianity is the greatest (as part of his conservative act), and he usually gets put down by the guests, to great humor.

Like one time, he invited a guest, and the guest said "One of the factors we found might increase general happiness is religion"

Colbert said about proving the power of Christ or something

And the guy said "I said religion, not Christianity"

And Colbert gave one of his hilarious stares where he looks like he's about to either get mad or cry


Other media where the man is an atheist is
A) Dr Cox from Scrubs. He's not portrayed badly, he's the best doctor and unconventional mentor on the show.
B) I believe Lisa Simpson is one
C) I'm pretty sure Seth McFarlene (Family Guy) and the creators of South Park are anti-organized religion. They have a LOT of brutal parts on religion.
D) Penn & Teller's Bullsh!t show. It's a really good show in general
E) Bill Mahr (Real Time with Bill Mahr HBO)
F) Woody Allen
G) Joss Whedon (Popular TV Producer)

Answer 5

Dr. Brennan is on Bones. I actually find it amusing that Fox, which has so many ahem, Christian-favoring tendencies, has three openly atheist characters in lead roles. And all three of them are good, solid characters with firm moral sets. Well, except maybe House himself, but that's more to do with other issues the character has (his addiction to vicodin, his huge ego) than the fact that he's an atheist.

)O(

Answer 6

I hate the way that Hollywood usually portrays atheists.
In movies, it's almost always the same story...
Character is a believer.
Character has a tragedy in their life and loses a loved one.
Character blames God and then becomes atheist.
In most cases, the character then has some miracle happen and regains their "faith".

(Examples: "Signs"-character loses wife. "The Reaping"-character loses husband and daughter. "1408"-character loses daughter)

It's really irritating, because it perpetuates the incorrect stereotype that atheists are just "angry at God".

Answer 7

Like The Dude pointed out, Star Trek tends to indicate in subtle ways that the characters are atheist. Example: In one of the movies, Spock is asked about a painting in his quarters. He says: "It is a depiction from ancient Earth mythology... expulsion from Paradise".
That's the only real positive depiction of atheists I can think of. Usually, we're shown as being bitter and cranky at best (House, Becker) and sociopathic at worst.

Answer 8

Mal Reynolds from Firefly
House himself (yes I know already mentioned)
Dr. Perry Cox (Scrubs),
Dr. Cristina Yang (Grey’s Anatomy),
Matt Albie (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip)
Andrew Van De Kamp (Desperate Housewives),
Dr. Christian Troy (Nip/Tuck),
Brian Kinney (Queer as Folk)
Jen Lindley (Dawson’s Creek)
Dr. Temperance Brennan (Bones),
Dr. Mohinder Suresh (Heroes)

Answer 9

I know House is, Dr Cox on Scrubs is, I don't think there are many shows that come right out and admit it, some hint at it.


~
Are Buddhist considered Atheist? If so, Lisa Simpson.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Mal Reynolds was an angry agnostic more that atheist.

Answer 10

I keep hearing about this House guy being an atheist, but I don't really watch TV. All I needs is the Daily Show (WILL THE STRIKE PLEASE END DAMMIT!?)...

But in terms of film... What about Star Trek? You sort of assume that all the characters on that show are atheists right? It's the ultimate show/movie that promotes the ideals of science and humanism.

Answer 11

that could desire to coach to you that it is not something atheists make a brilliant deal approximately - except asked or provoked. except the plot of the television coach deals with the question, you probable have not have been given any theory what the orientation of the character is. Is Dr. domicile or Father Mulcahey left or proper exceeded? Who cares, except that is area of the plot...? > Jimmer <