You have the true mark of an athiest as well Don. I do not see how you could have any faith based on your conversations. I think being immersed in science tends to dull one's senses to the metaphysical world since you are so couched in proofs. And if you do have faith in some higher being - how do you account for the assorted miracles performed by that faith's representative? (I don't think the actual practice/theology matters on this one - they all had some sort of representative that produced/participated in some form of unusual activity)

Again - go rent the movie Contact - its enjoyable even if you don't get the message.

Canie