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To those who believe in God, atheists must seem very strange. Yet we all ultimately have to answer the same major questions about "life". One of life's most delightful mysteries is how two equally intelligent people can reach totally different, sincere conclusions, based on much the same evidence. On the chance that it might enlighten, amuse, or astonish my Christian friends, I'll offer my own answers to some of the Big Questions. My views are those of a non-believer, and are not meant to give offense or to question the conclusions of people of faith. I accept the natural existence of faith as I accept the natural existence flowers and trees, in all their variety. I am also very happy not to be burdened with it. It is my nature to accept and investigate the physical world, free from any bias of revelation or faith. While these answers will seem strange to some, remember that they are "true for me".

[quote]To whom do you turn in times of stress, trouble or calamity?[/quote]
My wife, my family, friends and neighbors. A very long walk, music, philosophers' sayings, favorite books. In extreme circumstances a frank discussion with "Mr. Jack Daniels" (whiskey) can be useful. Rarely, I simply weep. Fortunately, I have not experienced much trouble or many calamities.

[quote]Whom do you thank or show gratitude for the good things in life?[/quote]
It would have to be same person I would curse and damn for the cruelty, poverty, misery, injustice, evil, sickness and death in life. Fortunately, for me, that is "nemo" - from the Greek meaning "no one". Life can be enjoyable; life can be dreadful; life is often dangerous. That is the nature of life.

[quote]How you think this Universe came into being, and who sustains us?[/quote]
The universe happened because of the laws of physics. I suspect many universes have happened, and more will happen. It is sustained because it cannot do otherwise. It is what it is. There is no external effort needed to sustain it. As far as "who sustains us" as people, clearly no one. Each of us eventually dies, just as flowers do when their span is reached.

[quote]How can you watch the nature programs on the Discovery Channel and not realize there must be a God?[/quote]
The more I learn from the Discovery Channel and other nature programs, the more convinced I am there is no need for a God to explain the world. Life is the result of chemical reactions among carbon-based compounds. It is truly wonderful! One of the most amazing things is how some life forms

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