Interesting, Philistine, that those who believe in a god ALSO say that "faith" is not hope... they also say that they know there is a god. There is not difference in their faith that there is a god and your faith that there isn't. Both of you think you know for sure and you both make the same argument for what you believe without any proof backing you up. I, personally, am not trying to "have it both ways" like a politician... because basically, I piss off both of you .. not a good political strategy. I simply cannot bring myself to believe in something in the abscence of definitive proof. It is that simple. It is not a choice. I can't choose to have faith in either argument, because choosing is not knowing, it is just picking something to fit in or not anger others or to get support or whatever reason. Even if I picked a position, I would be lying, because I don't know the answer. Besides, what sense does it make for a person to have faith that there is no god... if you are going to have faith anyway, why not choose the more hopeful route..... my guess is that you enjoy stirring the pot and seeing people's reactions.