Naomi, This question addresses an issue which lies at the heart of many religious debates, "What the hell are we (atheists) doing here in the topic of religion?" The fact of the matter is we recognise that what we choose to believe has consequences, not only for the believer, but for those whose lives are touched by their actions, not just the innocent children but indeed all of humanity as we struggle to come to grips with the reality we face and seek answers to the questions of right and wrong.
The answers are not to be found by running away from the question or by relegating it to a 'higher authority'. The answers lie in the same reality that raises the question, not by attempting to rewrite it but by learning to read and comprehend the messages written into its very fabric.
The inescapable reality is that we are responsible for our own thoughts, beliefs, choices and actions, all of which define who we are. The first step in taking that responsibility is acknowledging that we have it, that our lives for better or worse are our own and that anyone asking us to sign divorce papers has only one objective in mind, not murder, but voluntary spiritual suicide.
Thanks for asking!