How do you answer the question 'why do you believe in God?' to an atheist or agnostic

I was an Atheist for years and talked to many many xtians about why they believe.

Simply say, "I have faith" - Even Dawkins said its the only reason that cant be denied.

Dont go into long rants about "evidence", or "first cause". No creationist jargon ( especially the young earth variety) and dont fire a clip full of bible verses. You will get nowhere at best and completely dominated at worst.

If they keep coming back with "thats not a good enough reason" then say "if I had a good reason I wouldnt need faith"

Apologetcs should be saved for defending bible interpretation, not reason for believing.

Heh. I'd encourage you to spend a bit more time in theology (maybe even in some of the lighter forums, like the fellowship areas) and make a decision for yourself.

__________________

"There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done.""
-C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce (emphasis mine)

"You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul."
-Chef at the beginning of Ratatouille

One of the main factors in my belief in God is the evidence that I see all around me. I understand the reality of God through all of the works of God that I experience every moment of everyday. There's no excuse for anyone to live in disbelief. Even the squirrels and the bird song are proof that God is a reality. So what if we can take these things apart? That doesn't mean much.