How to Properly Answer the “Do You Believe in God?” Question

I started off believing in God. Like most people, in an unexamined way, and like many people today, without actively practicing a religion.

I became an atheist around 17. During that phase, I debated religious people, feeling superior while regurgitating Richard Dawkins's arguments. My atheism lasted for about a year. I switched to being agnostic when I …