Reply #6: Perhaps I am confused...

[The Doctor.]

But I do not see how anyone might take the word 'belief' as an affront.

I am never concerned over what language I use in deference to anyone. This with the exception of deliberately offensive language, that is.

Should someone take offense - that is generally a reflection on them, not on the offender, again - unless the offense is deliberate and intentional... then it should be ignored.

I've been on both ends of this one.

As for atheists; I find there is a great deal of courage in the acknowledgement of our status as 'organic machines'.
Atheists tend to be either truly 'spiritually' courageous, or mortally depressed.

Those that have accepted the reality of oblivion yet continue to strive for a worthwhile and productive future are, in my humble opinion, quite spiritually heroic.

Think on that.

If you want to know how to be an atheist that believes in divinity - ask me.

{OE}- bad grammar and punct.