Atheists still waiting for proof that God exists

[Orrex]

160. Anyone who bases action or policy upon the existence (or Word) of God...

can be reasonably called upon to provide an argument that such a basis is legitmate, especially (as in the case of much formal US policy) when the "teachings" of God are put forth as though they overrule all other arguments. They can't simply require us all to assume that it's true--as is currently the standard.

If, instead, the believer were to assert and accept that they can't prove god's existence yet they still believe it, then that would be a statement of greater honesty. However, to say either that they can't prove it or (worse) that it can't be proven is a statement of denial, and certainly I see no reason to laud or respect that position.

So the question remains, and the question remains valid: how can the believer claim that god exists and is a benevolent entity, rather than a malign entity masquerading as good?

10,000 years. That's a long time and lots of cultural imprints and memes.

That's clearly true, but in itself it's no reason to revere or maintain those imprints or memes.