Atheism

How often have you met two people with diametrically opposite political views, yet both are apparently reasonable and rational?

People rarely believe in God, or disbelieve in God, because of argument; the arguments are not driving the outcome; rather, the intellect is being harnessed by other, moral forces within.

A primary reason for disbelief in a Higher Power is the fear that belief will interfere with one's plans; it will disrupt the system in which the person has created himself or must create himself; it will require the overturning of entire thought and belief systems and leave the person in a universe that no longer makes sense. God is rejected, then the intellect steps in to justify the choice.

Why do I believe in a Higher Power? Firstly, I tested out belief because self failed; secondly, I tried it, and it worked. Recall:

Some of the ideas the Workbook presents you will find hard to believe, and others may seem to be quite startling. This does not matter. You are merely asked to apply the ideas as you are directed to do. You are not asked to judge them at all. You are asked only to use them. It is their use that will give them meaning to you, and will show you that they are true.

Remember only this; you need not believe the ideas, you need not accept them, and you need not even welcome them. Some of them you may actively resist. None of this will matter, or decrease their efficacy. But do not allow yourself to make exceptions in applying the ideas the Workbook contains, and whatever your reactions to the ideas may be, use them. Nothing more than that is required. (A Course In Miracles workbook introduction).