I want to make a point here about Atheists and science, and in conclusion I’ll tell you why I believe in the Christian God.
Science cannot prove or disprove anything about God or any deity. If any deity created the universe from outside the universe, then how can science which measures this universe and draws conclusions from it measure something outside it? Its simply not logical to even bring science to the debate of God’s existence. Now, you can prove all kinds of things about the human part of any deistic religion. Science has historically brought into question many church and religious teachings for example geocentricism, and the belief in a flat earth, but all this says nothing about God, just about the ignorance of the people. Christians and Atheists alike need to leave science at home for the God debate. That said, I understand this is difficult for the Atheist because most Atheists today strive to limit their beliefs to simply those things that can be proven by science. So I ask you OP, why are you asking about something that cannot be proven or disproven? It seems to me that the only type things you can believe as an Atheist is that if you jump, gravity will pull you down to the ground, that the earth orbits the sun, that a piece of letter size paper is reasonably close to 8.5" x 11"; these things we can prove with some confidence, but applicable ONLY within the appropriate measurable system. Atheism stands on one HUGE negative proof fallacy.
So, as a Christian, how am I any different? Will I say to you, if you can’t prove its false then it must be true while you say to me if I can’t prove its true then it must be false? Perhaps some will. I contend however that faith, not proof, is the key to knowing about God, that it is not a circular argument, that it is fully within the bounds of argument theory and logic, and that through it God has provided the necessary evidence to maintain and grow my belief and faith. My friend, we are not blind believers, just as with doubting Thomas, he provides us all with just what we need to believe him. I have many Atheist friends who are pretty annoyed by such arguments, seeing it as nothing more than wishful thinking and superstition. All of that said, specifically some of these personal evidences and reasons why I believe are below.
Cultural: I grew up in a Christian home in the bible belt of America, and its no secret that people typically adopt the religion of their families… I mind you, this proves nothing about God or Christianity except that culture is inevitably a part of it, just as in any religion or the lack of as in Atheism.
Science: As I said above, it doesn’t prove anything about God as that’s not within any scientific scope. But through science, we have been able to see so much beauty in this universe, I have personally seen things underground in caves and in the night sky that provoke an enormous emotional impact. This beauty I credit to God.
Historical: Christianity, especially the Catholic version, has such a rich history. The evidence provided in the Church is enormous to me. God has left his fingerprint in the history of his Church, both the Christian Church and the Jewish Tradition before it. This is part of what brought me out of my own experience with Atheism.
I’ll conclude this lengthy bit with this, we are both in the struggle of our lives, trying to take hold of an idea way beyond the capability of the human mind. Why are we here? Is there purpose to all this? What is your purpose? Is Richard Dawkins’ ultimate purpose to cause people to question their beliefs in something that cannot be proven or disproven? My personal evidences are very personal and mean a lot to me, they bolster my Faith. Do you have any positive personal experiences that have bolstered your lack of Faith and reassured you in your lack of hope of an afterlife through Atheism? In all sincerity, as someone else who has and currently struggles with these questions, I would like to hear if you are willing to share.
Peace