Exactly... atheism is simply not having religion.

"If this pete bloke was genuine, he would be able to debate with me.."

Pete is quite 'genuine'- but to critique the Thomas Paine quote a bit, Pete has not 'renounced' reason, he just uses it in a different manner (and of course, in my opinion, in a flawed manner by choosing premises in a flawed way.)

This 'reason' thing is quite a complex concept...and is not quite the same thing as 'logic' (strictly, a mathematical term). Reason is what the mind does as it copes to organize the bits of experience it accumulates. When we had no telescopes and saw the stars & sun & moon 'move across the sky', it was reasonable (though incorrect) to deduce that we were at the center of things. Some very 'reasonable' men once threatened other reasonable men who dared to contradict the standard answers!
Now - when part OF one's experience is being told by respected members of the family and community that certain answers to life's mysteries are answered in the pages of a special text, preserved for thousands of years and celebrated by wonderful art, architecture, songs, stories etc... and which provides comfort and hope in a world where comfort & hope are often scarce, it is hard to say "Oh, that stuff... I am a grown-up now; I don't need 'fairy tales'."

So... a large part of the disagreements over whether to accept ANY theological/metaphysical concepts is based on sociology & psychology, not strictly 'reason'. I certainly hope that education & example can make reason come closer to logic, because WAY to much of the world is controlled by those who are still in the Dark Ages as respects rational thinking. The news every day is full of sad headlines about those who base their actions on 'sacred texts'... and different ones than OUR side uses..(note tongue firmly in cheek there.)

All *I* really require is that-: whatever one chooses to believe about creation and 'souls' and prophets...etc... they are prevented.. as far as possible.. from controlling MY life and inserting bad reason into school curriculums.

You just cannot change minds by shouting "you stupid fools...pay attention to reason!"