Why is belief in a higher power required?

[Godscreated]

GC,

Impressive answer that completely missed the point I was making. I was trying to show you how an atheist sees the bible not persuade you of the error of your ways. I can see you are not going to be convinced by any argument of that.

One thing though - I was not talking about the atrocities visited by god on the Jews but on the horrors he inflicted on their neighbours. They hadn't agreed to anything.

I did not miss the point at all, I knew what you were doing and I understand how atheist see the Bible, I wanted you to know that unless one studies scripture one can not come to a understanding of scripture. You wouldn't think you could cherry pick text books in school and pass test with a knowledge of the text. I hate multiple choice test, to me that is cheating, an explanation of text shows what one actually understands of the text.
As for the people who occupied Canaan before Israel took over the land, God was punishing them for their idol worship and the sinful acts they committed against each other. Remember these people came from the patriarchs, so they knew about God. They received punishment through just judgement.