If quantum mechanics and 'string theory' weren't so symbolic of a higher power there wouldn't be so many Christian Scientists in physics anyway.
I like the above statements. 'God' and religion (herd ethic) are two separate entities. To not accept a higher authority, I think atheists really need to spend some time in nature. What else is there?
My Dad is a strict atheist as well, but different generations were influenced by different things. WWII left impressions on people that we (this generation) can never fully understand.
Even christianity has committed great sins against humanity to get to the Christianity we have today. These very questions are what separated the Church from the Gnostic holy orders and other hermetic groups through the millenia.
There really has to be a higher order, why does virtually every human culture have 'beliefs' in a 'religion'.?