Atheists... why do you believe that God doesn't exist?

[Whateverist]

Of course belief in the xtian god is not a matter of evidence or proof, it is a faith-option. It is the honoring of an inner hunch for which no corroborating evidence can be found. It is probably grounded in an impulse not to go through life as a muggle. If it stopped there, it would be an honorable option. Clearly there are mysteries in the world, not all of which are likely to fall to science. Staying open to what little birds have to tell you can keep you connected to the mystery. Unfortunately it seems every xtian is offered a devil's bargain: have faith in the mystery as you find it - or - trade that in on the set of pseudo facts they call the bible. Few xtians are capable of true faith. Most will opt for the smug superiority afforded by the bible.

You imply that faith has no rational basis. That's not true. Religious faith is based on specific revelation. We rationally evaluate the credibility of the subject and reliability of the witness.

Perhaps one needs to have a coherent mind before one voluntarily steps aside to make room for faith. But no I don't think you can rationally argue for faith. Faith always requires a leap.

Reasonable people can disagree about the data without insults.

For sure but I still say there is no justification for bringing the bible into it. It is a hedging of faith. It is like someone who can make no use of their intuition without taking out a deck of Tarot cards. A bible may serve the same function but there is no justification for choosing between tarot cards, the bible or tea leaves. Whatever gets you in touch with the mystery will do, but all will fuck with you if you mistake the medium for the message.