I think you will find many atheists are people such as myself who grew up in very close proximity to religion. I was raised in a very devout C of E family, my mother is a retired theology teacher, my father a church organist. I was forced to go to church as a young child and even made to take part in some of the on-stage rituals (carrying the incense thingy about etc). I realised pretty early on that I just didn't buy into it at all, though rather than reject religion out of hand at that point I went deeper in - I joined a Baptist church! I have seen people writhing on the floor speaking in tongues and many similarly bizarre things. I also went to see Billy Graham. Twice! I realised he was merely a very good used car salesman and got out, my scepticism perfectly intact. I suspect I am not the only atheist who has tried, and completely failed to believe in religion. My mind is simply too analytical – it just doesn't work on trust.

Tony.