Although I was raised Catholic, by the time I was 10 I realized how ridiculous the concept of God was. I remember being told that God created the universe and asking, "Where did God come from?" We all know the answer to that question: "God always existed." I tend to feel that statement in and of itself shows the futility of discussing religion with theists.
Yet, I tend to feel pity for these millions upon millions of people that live in blind ignorance, or are raised socially into religion. Knowing that they do not have the self-confidence or self-respect to be able to judge right and wrong for themselves. Even worse, knowing that these people feel they can do as they wish because a God will forgive them. How many of them use their "faith" and religion to their advantage for the social perks and benefits they will receive?
How many Jewish people now celebrate Christian holidays and Jewish holidays? Do they offer to make up the time they miss from work? How many religious leaders have used their status for personal monetary and sexual gain? How many people attending Church every Sunday actually practice the tenets of the religion they believe in? They all allege to have faith and allege they will be saved. But saved from what? Themselves and others like them?
How conveniently a devil was created to take the blame for all the bad things that occur in the world. How conveniently that an all powerful being would create an almost unlimited universe that is billions of years old, so we can exist to be judged. At one time the Bible shouted out about the wrath of God (Old Testament), yet it appears God had a change of heart. Now he is a forgiving God. Why? Because it is more socially acceptable. At the rate things are going, I wouldn't be surprised to have the Church declare, "God is Gay."
Why not? The Church isn't about moral fortitude, it's about collection plates and hypocrisy. If everyone that sinned got kicked out, churches would be empty buildings. So let's forgive sins. On every level from lying to divorce to murder, the Church claims you can still be saved. Come to church once a week, drop a few bucks in a basket, and you will have eternal salvation. It all makes sense now.
My basic belief is to believe in other people, to smile, to laugh, to have fun. To hug a crying person even if you don't know them, to let them know they are not alone and people do care. There is a lot of bad and evil out there, but it is not the Devil, and there is a lot of good in the world, but it is not God. Yes, I am an atheist, and yes, I care for people. My moral system is stronger and not as rigid as any commandment or commandments might be, because sometimes doing the right thing can't be read in a book or heard in a sermon. It has to come from your own conscience, because you know it is right.