theism vs. atheism

Hmmm. You're the first person I've met to make the argument that atheists shouldn't fear death. It's more typical for someone to ask us if we're sad or afraid, because, in our version of events, we'll be rotting in the ground, while in yours, there's a pleasant afterlife to look forward to.

Not to mention the fact that organisms that don't fear (or avidly avoid) death would tend to become extinct quite rapidly.

As for humility, is it truly humble to think that whatever created this vast universe and the all the complexities on planets like Earth has to be similar to us, and not only that, desires a personal relationship with us? Is it humble to assume an answer about the world's origins rather than admitting it is not fully known and continuing to investigate?

I'm not normally in the habit of making sweeping character generalizations about religious people (or any other group), and I respect that some people have a strong internal sense that God exists. I just thought I'd take a shortcut in responding to your assumption that atheists' non-belief stems from a lack of humility.

People on both sides of the theism/atheism debate can throw that barb at each other, which makes it rather a moot point.

The debate theism vs. atheism often turn to a science vs. religion discussion. I think that there is a lot of misunderstanding and black sheep on either side.

Many atheists aren't scientists, and claim arrogantly that science can explain everything. The real scientists, whatever their beliefs or lack of, are much more humble and know the limitations of science. As somebody once said, "the more I learn, the less I know". On the other hand, some theists are just as arrogant, as their god is supposed to be the answer to everything, from the origins of the universe to the constipation of their neighbour's cat. Consequently, they tend to look down on godless people who rely on the mere experience of their senses and the conclusions of their reasoned mind to go through life.

As for the 'fear of death' argument, I think it was nicely answered above. We all have varying degrees of preservation instinct, and the natural avoidance of death that's ingrained in us and essential to the survival of the species sometimes turns into an irrational fear when we realise that our consciousness as we know it will go out forever.