Why are you an atheist?

Seems like a simple answer, doesn't it? "Because I lack the belief in any God". Question answered, moving along...

Wait, wait. That's not going to cut it. There has to be reasons right? Well of course there are reasons. Let's peruse those reasons together. I've never really investigated it deeply myself, so we'll both be learning about me.

1. Why bother?

Seems harsh to say right out of the gates, but it's the truth. What could I possibly attain from this belief I could not attain without it? The obvious answer is Eternal Bliss, Nirvana, 70 Virgins ect. The problem with this is obvious, it's a bit presumptuous to conclude these things even exist, especially that they exist in a way we can identify. What I am interested in is the benefits in the only life I know i'll have for sure. This clearly sounds selfish, a "what's in it for me" attitude is probably the wrong way to go about it. I disagree. If there is no discernible direct benefit unattainable anywhere else, why change my life to encompass it? Seems rather pointless to me.

2. Is it possible there could be no God?

Of course, but it is also possible that there could be one. So why is this a reason at all, you ask? Why would I include such an ambiguous reason? Easy, my good friend. It is the most important reason. If the universe is possible without a God, one must then question any God who "created" the universe, as he may be completely unnecessary, or non-existent. If it is possible there is no God, one must question why they believe there is one.

3. Where's the evidence?

How could I possibly justify believing in something I can't even prove to myself? I know the few theists who care to read any atheistic material will reply with a "No true Scotsman" fallacy and say I never tried to reach God sincerely, pearls to swine ect ect. The fact of the matter is, I've searched as hard as any other person I know, including multiple Ministers, one of which searched much less than me. I've prayed, I've read multiple Holy Books of varying religions. Attended multiple churches, confessed. I've even defended the Bible on multiple occasions. (Not for being accurate. But for being an important piece of literature.) I've received nothing for my efforts in the ways of revelation. So, personal experience is out as evidence for me. That leaves 2 options. 1. Believe anyways, or 2. find evidence that isn't personal experience. 1 is clearly not a viable option, nobody should subscribe to "believe anyways". That leaves 2, which should be easy. Surprisingly there is not one account of anything remotely divine outside the teachings of religion, you'd think one guy would at least write down about how he saw a guy part an entire sea, or something.

4. Ignorance

A couple theists might read that, and think "Exactly! You're just ignorant!". Unfortunately for those of you who thought that, you're right, but not for the reasons you think. I am talking about the collective ignorance of humankind. Of science. Of people in general.

Science works every day to find out the answers to the questions people have inserted God as the answer to. Science is still ignorant of a lot that goes on in the universe. Quantum Mechanics is still in infancy, we're barely breaking the surface of how the universe truly works. Ignorance has allowed the masses to forgo further investigation, complacent in their knowledge that they have the universe figured out. Science doesn't forgo, it continues to investigate until it finds the right answer, not the one that "feels right".

The ignorance of people throughout history has been a huge factor in my lack of belief. So much lies, deceit and shifty tactics have soured my view on anything that comes directly, and exclusively from people. People are unreliable, biased, and in many cases deluded to the point of no return. There is no reason to take a persons word for anything unless that person has proven themselves to be someone you can trust, especially when their claim has absolutely no legs to hold itself up.

5. Skepticism

Everyone should have a healthy amount of skepticism. I recommend more than the healthy amount. In a world where lying and cheating is an accepted norm, something everyone accepts as "it happens", is a world where you must question everything. Who's the last person you told they ate spiders every year in their sleep? Who's the last person you told the Mayans predicted the end of the world? Did they believe you? Obviously these are innocuous examples, but relevant. Both of those are completely untrue. Spiders are not idiots, they won't crawl into your mouth for the "lulz", nor did the Mayans predict any end of the world. It is quite likely that you have told this to someone, or have been told it and believed it, and told another person about it, ect ect. Now this information becomes so ingrained into society by ignorance and lack of skepticism that it starts bordering on the lines of "fact" without any actual factual information involved, just word of mouth. Skepticism helps one avoid the lies of the masses to form your own conclusions based on an educated mind.

Conclusion:

There really is no reason to believe, nor especially worship a God. For the reasons I have outlined, and perhaps more I simply cannot find any reason to justify a belief in a God. I truly believe that if one existed in the capacity that most theists hope, it would not be a God that damns you for not believing. It would be one that forgives the lack of belief and accepts the positive influence your life has had regardless of personal beliefs. I am confident that my actions would grant me Eternal Bliss from a loving God, even if I think he may be fake. Not all theists can say the same.