Hi, Wolfgang: Well-measured, thoughtful posts that leave room for diametrically opposed views without belittling anyone. You're my man, Wolfgang... And you are right, of course. It is futile to try to prove God's existence, or lack thereof. That's why they call it faith. If someone could prove that God exists, but you felt nothing in your heart, what would be the point? The sun also rises. For many people who DO believe that God exists, it has very little impact on their life. It's not something they even think about. That's why the polls that say that 78% of Americans believe in God don't really mean much. If it doesn't transform your life in a positive way, then it's just a little fact tucked away in the corner of your mind.

I think that it's very humorous, by the way, that this thread has treatened to spin off into "what is an Atheist." I realize that communication breaks down when a word means different things to different people. The Atheists and Agnostics that I know seem to have a pretty clear idea what the words mean. Friends of mine who are Atheist think that God doesn't exist. Agnostics don't believe that God exists, but they admit the possibility. Some shift back and forth between the two beliefs from time to time. My best friend most of my life has mostly been an Agnostic, occasionally seeming to lean toward Atheism. I have a son who is an Agnostic, who was a strong believer as a kid. I love 'em both, and they are both fine people.

You're also right, Wolfgang. Faith is a very private matter, and no one knows another person's heart. That's why it's best to enjoy people for who they are and how they live, and be thankful that something in them leads them to try to live a good life.

Jerry