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OK willbjammin, you've expressed a very logical, straightforward, no-nonsense take on the world, much as Art has. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you hold dear the ideas of scientific method, not jumping to conclusions, simplest explanation etc
To you, the idea of a higher power is a non-sensical one, it's surplus to requirements, it *may* be true, but you're not ready to throw your money down on one side or the other, and you remain skeptical on this and many other unknown areas of life.
So that's your worldview, those are your 'beliefs' - Now you and Art are also saying that you've chosen those beliefs. Let's try a thought experiment.
Do you think you could ever decide to throw up this view of the world and start believing whole-heartedly in a god or gods, or spirits etc? If someone offered you a hundred million dollars to completely convert to Catholicism (or some other arbitrary huge reward and equally arbitrary religious faith. - If you are reading this from a religious viewpoint, imagine embracing the logical/scientific model that the non-religious among us adopt) could anyone honestly train themselves to do that?
Let's say you had 3 months to convert and then had to stand in front of a group of people and convince them that you believed in The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. Could you do it? Maybe you could convince them, but would you have honestly convinced yourself?
I really don't think it's possible, and this is why I'm saying that No, beliefs are most definitely not a matter of choice.
If beliefs are a choice, then both you and Art are saying that you would be capable of changing those beliefs should a sitation arise like the one described.
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