Faith.

I have a high IQ and can THINK of all the reasons for NOT believing, but when I look at my kids I KNOW all the reasons why I DO.

I'm a firm believer in intelligent design and evolution co-existing. If you can wrap your mind around that, the rest is fairly easy. We are creatures of free choice. It's a gift and a curse given to us to do with as we wish. Bad things happen because there is evil in the world and because - shit happens - even to believers. Perhaps there's a blueprint and it all happens for a reason, perhaps not.

I choose to believe because it makes leading a good life and dying easier. Otherwise it's all chaos so what's the point? Thinking about it just keeps you awake at night. I know from experience. I have a son just like me. Being smart and educated is hard - being dull and ignorant is easy when it comes to these matters.

I personally don't think any less of you for questioning and perhaps coming to the conclusion that God indeed does not exist. I do have a problem with atheists that want to push it down my throat and call me vile names because I CHOOSE to believe, just as I have a problem with fundamentalists that condemn me for being a Catholic (I chose to be - I am a convert), and therefore not Christian enough. To all of them I say "Have a beer and chill out already".

Good luck in your journey and try not to lose too much more sleep over it. You're a good person and that matters more than anything.

Mel

Personally, I'm an atheist who believes death is simply the end of the line.

I don't know why it doesn't bother me. I guess I just accept it (since I can't change it) and focus on enjoying the time I have above ground.

Yeah, Harvey, I'm not terribly sentimental about the whole burial and cemetary thing. Dust to dust and all - I don't really care what they do with me when I die. I learned that from my mom. I never visit her ashes resting place - she wouldn't be there - she was way too cool to hang out at a cemetary for eternity. However, I feel her around me at the oddest times - there is a lifeforce of some kind that transcends brainwaves. I believe it is an eternal soul. I really like the idea of reincarnation, but the Catholics don't look too highly on that. Let's just say I'm open to it....

By the way, you're an awesome atheist - I totally get you. You'd never complain about anyone telling you Merry Christmas or praying in your presence. With that I'm totally cool. Same respect I have for Tiffany.

I feel the same way as you, Tiffany. That whole "just in case" thing is the reason I'm agnostic as well. As for morbid thoughts, I try not to have them too much, and I try to be hopeful that maybe there IS something better after this. Who knows?

I'm never quite sure where I rest in the continuum of religion/Is-there-a-God? There have been times in my life where I was sure that nothing and no one was responsible for humanity and this planet. Other times, and more recently, I've begun to think there is some sort of underlying force or being involved- though I cannot name or pigeonhole it.

It pains me too, Tiffany, to contemplate the thought that once our bodies die our minds/spirits cease as well. I still don't know the answer, but I feel like Harvey does- I'm enjoying my time here and now, since it is all I really have, and tomorrows are not guaranteed.

I always thought it best just to live the life you have.

Momo - *blush* Thanks :-)