Practical Atheists

"Practical atheists also have buried their souls.  But they have the appearance and color of life although they are dust within.  The gospel terms them whited sepulchers.  It would be too optimistic to pretend that their time has passed.  Yet to say that they will be of no great use in the coming struggles and hazards of civilization seems to be an understatement." 

-- Jacques Maritain, "A New Approach to God" (The Range of Reason, p.100)