[tjd1454]

Interesting. "Devout atheist" but respectful of religion as a necessary "evolutionary construct." But there is one unalterable reality that no atheist can answer, viz. that given even immeasurable amounts of time, chance, and matter, there exists no possible mechanisms whereby the unimaginable complexities of even the most "simplest" of cells could possibly arise. One example is that of a hiker coming across a watch piece on the forest floor, and speculating about what combination of chemicals and minerals along with possible electrical influences like a lightening strike was responsible for the "creation" of the watch.

Lifelong Christian here, earned Ph.D in Theology, with a lifetime of amazing experiences that only confirm the reality of God. Son-in-law is atheist, have spent many hours in discussion. Not interested in fruitless argumentation. Just food for thought.

[semantic]

I think the standard opinion many/most atheists hold of believers is that of low(er) IQ. Over time and exposure however, one begins to realize that, contrary to expectations, there are certain outliers who are both intelligent and believers.

What this demonstrates is that there's some genetic component that pre-disposes one towards belief, whether it is religion, creed, or ideals. Of course, this trait is probably rooted in proto-human group formation, where tribal allegiances and demands for cohesion presented significant environmental pressures to conform. Regardless, it indicates that belief is a heritable condition, one where you are either born that way or not.

What I personally find interesting is that humanity is clearly on the cusp of not only fully understanding brain/body DNA, but will shortly be able to manipulate, correct & repair. So, the 64k question will become: would a religious person such as yourself be willing to undergo such a procedure if it resulted in the loss of faith? The corollary would be, how many atheists would willingly alter their DNA so they too could feel the rush of uninhibited faith?