Atheist struggling to answer a question i often propose to myself

[Neo-Scholastic]

As for whether belief in God is necessary, I would say probably not for everyday living and scientific inquires about natural phenomena. However, taking a stand is a necessary condition for the fundamental things that I think really matter in life such as values, meaning, and purpose.

Ah, so you're just generalizing from your own druthers to what might be true for others? This is where reason will take you if you feel no need to verify.

Fair enough. I respect people of high moral character regardless of their beliefs. At the same time when people volunteer what motivates them to do good, refrain from evil, and advise others of the same i respect even more those who can articulate why those character traits are important and worthy. When they cannot do so I pray that they will persevere despite their lack of a guiding philosophy. Personally, I believe that ideas matter and that faulty and incoherent first principles can later manifest themselves by twisting that which is good and lead people astray.