I can't disagree with anything you've said there. That's a logical conclusion for an atheist. Although I am not religious, I am NOT an atheist.

And faith is an integral part of who I am. "Faith" as defined by me in that I believe there is a higher power, a higher consciousness, a universal energy that can be tapped. There is an "energy" that comes with birth and death alike, and there is a realm in between when energy moves around different situations causing accidents, fear, anxiety, etc.. These can be ameliorated by tapping into this higher energy, through thought. Some would call that prayer.

Beliefs are powerful things in themselves. If the belief is strong enough, I would think more things are possible. It is that "belief" that opens up a doorway to the impossible, and to some extent I think that's where "faith" comes in, the fact one CAN believe that anything is possible. It shifts the energy. And sometimes, by ameliorating the circumstances, maybe changes DO happen in the physical sense.

I remember watching a group of 80-90 year missionaries have dinner once. They all prayed over their food. Sitting with them were some of their life-long acquaintances (just as old), but definately not Christian. The missionaries, were healthier, had better skin tone and color and were much happier. They were at peace with themselves. Life held "possibilities" and healing for them. If that's what "faith", or "belief" can do to you, then I want to tap into that.