I myself believe in a higher power, so I don't qualify as an atheist, but I understand their point of view.

I don't believe it's true that athiests can't change. As long as you are a decent human being and you help others, it doesn't matter what religion you are. We could only look at the suffering all humans go through and take it as facts of life. We all may have a different perception of what happens in the afterlife, but as long as you lived life to the fullest, you leave this world in peace.