The difference between an atheist and someone who prefers not to talk about God in front of strangers lies in their beliefs and comfort level discussing the topic.
Atheist: An atheist is someone who does not believe in the existence of any gods or deities. They reject the idea of a higher power or divine being. Atheists hold the position that there is no evidence or sufficient reason to believe in the existence of God. It is a matter of their core belief system, and they may be open to discussing their beliefs or engaging in conversations about religion and the existence of God with others.
Someone who avoids talking about God in front of strangers: This person may or may not hold any specific beliefs regarding the existence of God. They might simply prefer not to discuss religion or God in public settings, especially with people they don't know well. There could be various reasons for this, such as cultural norms, personal comfort levels, or a desire to avoid potential conflicts or awkward situations. It doesn't necessarily indicate their beliefs about the existence of God; it's more about their communication preferences in certain social contexts.
In summary, an atheist is someone who actively rejects the belief in God, while a person who avoids discussing God in front of strangers might do so for personal or social reasons without necessarily indicating their beliefs about God's existence.