I wasn't brought up to believe in God, either. But I ultimately chose to become Atheist on grounds other than 'Why does God let people suffer?'
In support of those of faith, my answer for that is simply that we are left to endure the hardships we bring upon ourselves. To suffer from forces beyond our control would likely invoke an Act of God, if anything. But for a crisis we inflict upon ourselves, or do not prepare for, or are an act of the Earth? God shall not lift a finger, but to pen those in who have died.
To justify your atheism based on the world around you, or on things such as 'priests molesting children', is not a solid justification, in my opinion. Especially the latter one. There are sick, evil people in all roles of the world, not simply those of the cloth. Just as there are blind, stupid atheists.
I, personally, want to smack every atheist across the face who wants to take 'God' out of things we've been doing for generations. The American Pledge, for example. Currency. Schools. Etc. While I do not willingly say any of these, I do so because we are the minority. We ultimately do not have to say what we do not want to say. And every time I hear someone spouting about God in public, I like to spout off just as loudly about how ludicrous the aspect of God truly is.
Ultimately, a lot of atheists, or agnostics, will be of those who were not brought up by their parents, or forced into, in a religious manner. Could we be converted? Of course. Could I be converted? No. I like the aspect of religion supporting good morals and brotherhood, but nothing beyond that interests me. The Book of Revelations will always make me look at all religions involving Jesus Christ, God, and the rest of the Christian Pantheon to be intolerable, unjustified works of fiction to support a religious dogma.
Anything that suggests global unification is a sign of 'The End Times' is nothing more than a work of pure evil, or pure stupidity. Funny, really, how the same series of books will spout off about peace on earth and loving everyone, but wooo if we try to join as one we fukkin dead.
The Bible(s) is too full of contradictions within itself, and this is supposed to be the door that leads me to the path of accepting God and Jesus? No thanks. Boo is the one Supreme Being.
