You don't have to believe in a god to find meaning in life.

There are atheists in foxholes as well.

Actually, I don't like the term atheist that much because it seems loaded with all kinds of misapprehensions by those who use it to define people who are non-believers.

I prefer the word "Freethinker" because it doesn't exclude agnostics or others who may have some interest in their brand of theology that isn't institutional.

I think this thread has degenerated into a discussion by religious people about their religion.
Ed, my initial premise is right I believe. There can be no intelligent discussion when it's predicated on metaphysical beliefs that don't allow for any other point of view.

Frank Hamilton