This quite amazes me to defend faith. I am not a believer, any more than you are, just giving it a try in the hope it will remove my compulsion to drink. Just don't dismiss it so airily. There are many scientists and otherwise smart people who believe. Even as an unbeliever, the concept of faith attracted me.

Mike, there are scientists, doctors, mathematicians, engineers, all sorts of people in the "hard sciences" who sincerely believe in God. But I'd say the vast majority check their faith at the door when it comes to their work.

My brother has believed in God all his life - so we simply "agree to disagree", but I'll say this....I place more credibility in someone who has had faith from the start, than someone who decides to "give it a try to remove compulsions". I've seen better arguments for the use of a topical cream. <s>

I'm reminded of the great quote from Robert Heinlein: Religion is a crutch for people not strong enough to stand up to the unknown without help. But, like dandruff, most people do have a religion and spend time and money on it and seem to derive considerable pleasure from fiddling with it.

The only one who will remove your compulsions is YOU. So be your own god.