Amka, you know full well that is the cheapest of cheap shots. Associating atheism with immorality and degradation. And then saying, "But never mind." That's the worst form of argument.And now, this isn't exactly directed at Wil, but was inspired by his post.
Before atheists start thinking that atheism is the rational, evolved form of human thought, I'd like to introduce you to the brand of atheism that exists after the Soviet regime was brought down. These guys haven't really thought it out. They aren't too arrogant about that position, because they don't really bother thinking about it. Those that are still atheist after religious repression was lifted are often amoral. Russian mafia, anyone?
Should we judge atheists by these people? No. We shouldn't judge Islam by terrorists, either. We shouldn't judge any world view by it's worst practicioners.
Still, I cannot help but think this: The difference between thoughtless atheism and thoughtless theism is that there is at least a moral code imbedded into every major religion. If a religious person is not acting by that code, they are going against their religion. While atheists rightly claim that such a state does not guarantee immorality, it certainly does nothing to support it. Any ethics and moral behavior the atheist practices is derived from religion.
And it's also RULE #5 of Boothby's five rules of theological debate. I've already predicted your churlish behavior.
Besides, I've met plenty of thoughtless theists with no moral values whatsoever. Plus let's not forget--priests sexually molesting young boys, evangelists having extramarital sex while smoking crack-cocaine. You've got immoral behavior from "thoughtful" as well as thoughtless theists. And you're complaining about atheists???
Atheists do have moral codes. They may be subtly different from yours, but they exist. Mostly, they are pragmatic, and law-abiding. I can't really help if many of those laws are derived from religion. You know, like being prejudiced against homosexuals. Like killing witches. Like banning premarital sex. Like not eating cheeseburgers. Like not drinking Coca-Cola or coffee. You'll forgive me, I trust, if I violate those moral/religious precepts.
Besides, that has nothing to do with our discussion. We are talking about proving or disproving the existence of God. You are taking pot-shots at atheists, and (therefore) me.