Why are people theists? Why are people atheists ...

IMHO, there's really no telling why a person chooses to be an agnostic, thiest or atheist. But I'm guessing that it has a lot to do with his experiences growing up and his upbringing.

Dude... people are whatever they're inspired by, or they are simply what they were brought up as....

I'll answer for myself. I ascribe to the philosophy formally known as "Ignosticism". I believe that the only way to gain knowledge, is by pursuing the Scientific Method. Hence, the only way to settle the question whether god exists or not, is to give a clear definition of the term "god" - a definition, which is amenable to either scientific experimentation or formal mathematical analysis. Depending on the definition given, i may yet turn out to be

* A theist - if the existence of god, given this definition, has been scientifically established

* An atheist - if the existence of god, given this definition, has been scientifically disproved

* An agnostic - if either it has been scientifically demonstrated, this question cannot be determined this way or the other (given this definition); or else the testing of this hypothesis is not conclusive yet, as is the case with the  "P!=NP" hypothesis from theoretical Computer Science nowadays.

It should be noted, though, that, the applicability of any scientific theory can never be demonstrated beyond doubt.

I haven't seen any solid definition of "god" yet. Indeed, there needn't be just a single, definitive definition to satisfy me. In fact, there can't ever be a definitive definition of anything: anyone can define any term whichever way he/she wants. But as long as everybody who participates in a particular discussion agree on the same definitions of the relevant terms, effective communication can take place.

Faith..They lack faith in that particular area of study. They may have faith in their car to transport them wherever they want to travel because of the long term use and predictability of automobiles. They can see, feel, smell, hear and even get good vibes from their ride, giving them faith in their vehicle.   When we can't use those stimuli in many cases we lack faith. This doesn't mean that people who lack faith in certain areas are bad, unintelligent r wahtever  your mind concludes about them. You may lack faith in them and they in you. Faith is the key to the Temple, you are the Temple of GOD. Therefore, You Are My GOD.

People believe many things for many reasons: Upbringing; personal experiences; education; environment, etc.

The truth is, that being a theist, athiest, or agnostic is not what anyone really is.  It is simply what they believe they are at their current stage of conscious evolution. 

Existence is an infinite mystery which transcends any human written definition, religion, or belief structure.  The mystery of existence also transcends any scientific formula or postulate. So, it really matters very little what anyone believes that they are, or what their place in the Universe might be. One can believe that they are a Kangaroo, but it does not make them one. 

 If one says, "I am an atheist because God has not been proven to me", that does not change the reality of Divinity.

If another says "I believe that God exists even though I have never direcly experienced God", that also really changes nothing about reality. What is, Is, beyond any definition or idealogical stance.

When a person realizes and directly experiences the miracle of existence, they transcend any self imposed label or creed.   In truth, much remains unknown in the vastness of this Infinite Universe.  The most honest approach to the question of the existence, or the the nature of God is one of humilty and openness. Replace all of those labels with childlike curiosity and awe. Be open.

Best Wishes, Zencat

The Advaitha theory of Hinduism says that
a soul is a finite piece of the Infinite
Soul (Parama Atma, Almighty). How can the
finite understand what is infinite?

Many questions were asked in the ancient Hindu texts about
the nature of Parama Atama (infinite soul, or Almighty) and
Atma (soul). In the olden days, Gurus used to put these
questions to disciples to test their knowledge.

What is the constituent material of Almighty? All created
materials are subject to decay and annihilation, Almighty
is above the influence of decay and annihilation. He
is eternal.

Then is Almighty a void? In terms of material
characteristics, Almighty is void (Soonya).

Can this lead to the logic that Almighty is not there?
No. Almighty is there. He is consciousness, the infinite
consciousness. The Atma which is a finite piece of Almighty,
according to Advaita Vedanta - the personal consciousness.
Soul was created in the likeness of Infinite Soul.

Since Atma is only a minute piece of Almighty, is it
subjected to annihilation? No. Atma is also eternal.
 

The ancient Hindu texts say that people are
born that way because of their past life Karma.

http://www.search.com/search?q=Karma

"The percentage of atheists in the world is less
than 5%"

http://www.positiveatheism.org/india/s1990c48a.htm

"Atheists are all scientists" ?

http://www.non-religious.com/statistics.html

Religion is not a blind following. It is a sub-consciously driven
group ritual. It calms the 'collective unconscious' mind. The
religious culture brings unity and belongedness among the followers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_unconscious

" Are Atheists More Depressed than Religious People?

In recent years, the view that religious belief and
participation in religious acts of worship has a positive
effect upon the well-being of man..."

http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php

"Is a Belief in God Beneficial? Or, What's an Atheist to Do?

1) Religious attendance is correlated with longevity.
2) Religious belief has been associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms.
3) Religious beliefs may help with addiction.
4) Religious attendance is correlated with lower blood pressure.

http://jewishatheist.blogspot.com/2006/01/is-belief-in-god-beneficial-or-whats.html

Although most religions and spiritual beliefs are clearly
distinct from science on both a philosophical and methodological
level, the two are not generally considered to be mutually
exclusive. A majority of humans hold a mix of both scientific and
religious views. The distinction between philosophy and religion,
on the other hand, is at times less clear.

VSPrasad is very wise and learned indeed. I read his words with care. It is good that wisdom and knowlege flow so freely here in this Yedda forum. A true blassing really.  Prasad or "food for the gods"

Best Wishes

Zencat