Perhaps the reason Geoff didn't respond was because he was satisfied with my explanation.  Just because people consider themselves atheists and reject the Bible as the inspired word of God doesn't mean it's all not true. My assessment of why the U.S. supports Israel is 100 percent correct .  If you disagree , ask yourself why we would spend so much and vow to protect one nation like no other . Israel has little to offer in terms resources or anything else. Given their tiny sliver of land mass---why do all of their neighbors vow to wipe them off the face of the earth ? It's because they hate them and God .  I do agree with you concerning the settlements . This is wrong of them to take land that isn't theirs .  I understand your seeking the truth about God , but if you consider all we know from the Bible , your headed the wrong direction---in my opinion . When one compares all the faiths , clearly the God of western religion is the only one who offers the truth and hope for mankind.