As for not being able to hate something that doesn't exist, I think that is wrong. Yogi the bear doesn't exist and I quite love the dopey bear.

I can't think of anything which I hate and doesn't exist, but think it possible.
The problem is not god, it is organised religions that have used this being's name to censored and slow scientific progress killing exorbitant numbers of victims on their way and impose their way on everyone, attempting to shut everyone that questions (Its called faith, shut up don't ask questions and just believe!!) and alienating anyone that acts against. You may see a pattern emerging here, the question is not why I hate god but why do believers hate the fact that I don't believe.
Religion has been nothing but a big excuse to murder, conquer and rule. And like weapons of mass destruction I just can't allow myself to blindly believe in something which all evidence suggest to be a fabrication used as an excuse to commit the worst crimes humanity has seen."