And so now you are one of Vitz's faithful flock? I can't speak for other atheists, but the principal issue I have is with nonsensical sophistry, especially when those engaged in it seek to gain ground by purposely quoting scientists out of context. On the plus side, when theists feel the need to misprepresent others in this manner, it betrays their lack of complete faith.
Vitz had a study, it lends credence to my observation of the ET atheists. So, no I am not one of his faithful flock. I didn't make my entire argument: Go read Vitz and get back to me... LOL!!! As far as context, if you are really going to be serious, then you have to look at the entirety of a scientist's work and life, his beliefs, etc. to get proper context...
Not necessary, and beyond the scope of this discussion. (But feel free to embark on this mission if you feel so inclined.) If jem quotes or refers to something that Hawking or anyone else said, then he should have the decency and intellectual honesty to at least frame the comment or quote against the author's full statement that he cherry-picked from.
killthesunshine method of finding the truth of a premise: "I look at an ET poll to find the truth, because they are so scientific." BWAAAHAAAHAAAHAAAHAAAAAAA!!!!