letter to the unknown

> Hello -
>
> With much respect, I write. I just joined Orkut today, and noticed this community and it's > description. I'm a follower of Christ, and I will not begin a theist/atheist arguement.
>
> I'm only curious about this one thing: what really is important to the average atheist?
>
> I've just never heard a professing atheist mention anything like that...most of my atheist friends > struggle with the inner turmoil that is their existence. And I have unconditional respect for them.
>
> I'll understand if you do not reply.
>
> Much Love,
>
> -Eddie
>
> This message was sent to community 'atheists'.

Hi Eddie,
Since you seem to ask out of curiosity, not to try and "sell me" anything, I'll try to answer to you.
First of all, I can't speak for all other atheists out there, afterall, not even people of the same religion all have the same opinion, let alone those of us who chose not to be religious and therefore, are not a homogenous group.
What's really important for me? The truth, and being as good a human being as I'm able to, always trying to define "good" from what's closest to the truth.
I think I understand your atheist friends with their existential crisis: I don't settle for the easy answer, which is that things begin and end in one God. Instead, I choose to look at life as it is: uncertain, complicated, larger than my mind can explain at many times, but worth living and trying to understand. That is certainly not conforting, but from my view, using God as a crutch is a false comfort which leads you into many traps.

Hope I could answer your question.

nando