How do you know God isn't dead?

[smax]

I usually respond that "god was never alive to begin with" to that Nietzschian "God is dead" phrase.

Sure. The question is rhetorical, and meant to provoke other much more relevant questions, such as:

Why is this alleged "supernatural being" not doing anything?

The hope is that the Theist will be provoked to work progressively backwards with the related questions until he eventually questions the very existence of god in the first place.

Of course, you've always got to contend with Theists who refuse to question anything about god, and those types are quick to sabatoge the process with twisted logic like, "Thanks for admitting he exists!"

To that I say, "Yeah, no problem! Now go back into your padded room while I try and think of another way to get through to you."

Theists sometimes forget that most Atheists are just trying to help cure them of their mental illness.