I have a friend who was also raised atheist. He once pointed out that he's perplexed by the idea of a soul, let alone the need to believe in one.

As what I like to refer to as a "belligerent agnostic", I feel it's part of my duty to my own beliefs to understand that perspective. I was raised Lutheran. It's been the most difficult act of empathy I've attempted. Once taught, the concept of a soul is a very difficult thing to let go of.

I hope more children continue to be raise atheist. The world needs it. I'm not entirely against religion or spiritualism, but I'm completely for the perspective.