Why is belief in a higher power required?

[My imaginary friend is GOD]

I'd say that's less a statement about the strength of faith and more about your failings of dealing with existential questions.

I find the strength of the reasoning is precisely what supports the view. I think faith isn't better for being stronger. The balance between faith and doubt are important.

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That's just it. Christians often think that we atheists don't live happy, moral lives without belief in a higher power. That's why so many of them claim that we're all unhappy and if we do happen to have morals, they came from God.

Hmm. I think atheists can be happy. I can't reason how an atheist can't see the gains of a just reality. And I do think that's a reality an atheist must face. Reality sans God is unjust.

All humans have an ethical sense in my opinion. It's what supports the idea that justice is desirable.

Reality is unjust. There are starving kids in Africa at the same time there are billionaires with private jets. With or without God, that is not just.