1) why is your faith so strong?
I don't know. The belief itself didn't come of myself, I tried to deny it for years. As far as continuing faith, there are doubts and fears at times, when I see God carry me through those times it serves to strengthen my faith.
2) do you have any friends who aren't from the same religion as you?
Yes. Most do claim to be Christian despite their lack of belief though, only a few will say they aren't, and one claims to be a witch.
3) were you always religious? Religious? Not always, there was a while when I "tried" to be atheist, but for the most part some type of what is termed religion was a part of my life.
As far as my view on atheists, I've only ran across one person in my life that when spoken with for a while would still say they didn't allow for the possibility of a higher power in some form, so I've come to the conclusion that true atheists are a rare breed. As for the rest who claim the title, my only view would be that they need to come to have a saving faith in God or they will not have eternal life.
Chrys