@lord shorty,
It sounds like for yourself, you've answered your own questions.
There's a certain element in many people's souls; a belief that can go beyond the bitter realities others see. For some, it's
constituency of meaning, still others don't affix strict definitions to their beliefs. There are as many views as there are people - and a reason for the term "leap of faith".
As a devout atheist I've been there; wondering and sighing at the faithful and the best bit of advice (that may or may not be of worth to you) is this - if I may exhort -[INDENT]Be patient, be understanding, be charitable. In those mindsets that seems so, so silly there is often insight and understanding to be gained. These are, after all, your fellow humans.[/INDENT]