Many of those I've spoken to, or heard speak using different media have remarked that they don't believe in God. It's becoming quite common. A response from many who follow different religious traditions is that religion brings with it ethical thoughts and behaviours, to which the common reply is to look at different interpretations of Islam around the world. Looking at it, the initial purpose of many religious traditions to my understanding was to bring about social reform and change and to encourage behaviours that are ethically rooted, however this is not the sole purpose of faith.
Human beings, when we are fortunate to have enough empathy and to reach a certain level of educational achievement tend to be intelligent enough to be able to differentiate right from wrong and to live relatively ethical lives. When civilizations develop enough, we are often able to consistently develop people who can consistently act in an ethical manner.
However, material well-being does not equate to happiness. I know many individuals who are materially very well-off, however they don't seem to be happy. They may be content with their lives, they may be satisfied with their position in life, but material well-being alone does not seem to consistently bring with it happiness. Gaining a great deal of material good brings a short rush of what seems to be happiness, but even that fades very quickly. When you finally get that new item you really, really wanted - it makes you "happy," but never for very long. Material goods are actually a bit like an addictive drug, the more you get, the more it takes for you to stay satisfied for the same amount of time.
Spiritual happiness is different. Spiritual happiness brings with it a sense of balance, a sense of true, deep, innate happiness. I believe the ultimate reason for religion and faith has always been to guide us to this happiness.
A true smile is a gift from God, a true smile cannot be taken away from someone for long. Conversely, the smile that forms due to material goods cannot last for long.
I pray all of us have a true smile on our lips at least once.
