I think "God" was invented by a race of people who need that comfort of a little fantasy to make all the hardships and fears feel a little better. The brain needs answers and fact, but we still need fantasy and creativity. That's why I don't hae a problem with the people who keep their religions, and that's why some scientists still believe in God. But really the truth is that any set religion was invented by people, and if there's such a thing as life after death or heaven or hell or gods or any other kind of realm entered after death, then it's just that; AFTER DEATH, so no one has a right to say they know for sure. That bothers me. But the fantasy is great for the rituals (church, baptism, marriage, etc) the religious celebrations (holidays) and the "rules" to follow (for you it would be commandments, so rules like that). The rules are an interesting piece, and I can actually agree. Sure, religion and religious rules were first set into place because the rulers of those ancient times needed a being more powerful than them (a god) to enforce control of crimes in a more powerful way (not jail, but eternal damnation). It spun out of control (crusades and other wars, "purification" of religious populations). But in a world of only fact and science, where if you don't follow the "rules" you really get sick or really get dead, it's nice to follow these pretend "rules" so it doesn't matter as much with the heavy consequences when you break these "rules". The fantasy of religion and religious rules and rituals makes that part of life more fun and light and less cold and serious.

I like your way of thinking. You're going down the right path. Its good to question things, don't believe all you hear, always research and come to your own conclusion.

i am an atheist,well,as a matter of fact, who can be a pure atheist? but as you said,as long as you believe in good things, theres no reason that you should go to hell. when people do wrong things,do they feel guilty bcoz he has done the things which is banned by god? i dont think so...people are born with a kind nature,they feel guilty because they were offending their principle of being a good man,bcoz they have done harm to others who are innocent...right? if one just feel guilty bcoz of the guilty to god, he is not a real kind man,he is not a man with the true love and humanity...Catholic,Christianity,Islam,Jewish,Hindism,B uddhism...all these religions are teaching people to be kind and nice...i think that's the origianl purpose of the existance of all the really holy gods. i dont believe in any particular religion,but i believe in all the good theories from all religions:)
i like the way you think, not like some very very very stubborn people who only want to preach:)

Jose; you are developing a great gift, keep going! look at God in The simplest way- God is Love. not love is something God does, but God IS love. like we are carbon and hydrogen and oxygen His atoms, His molecules are love. I'm no dummy, but I will spend the rest of my days trying to get even a vauge notion of how that can be; but my heart tells me it is so. if it's true though it has ramifications. no God of pure love could punish eternally or destroy deliberately what he has made. No God of pure love could hate anything. and infinite love must be able to infinitely forgive. If he is pure love,though, we humans have a great opportunity. if we can create love where there was none before, or turn hate to love, then we've made God a little bigger. How cool is that? pastormike

I find it odd that science has made you doubt, especially as a Catholic. I am a Catholic myself and let me tell you that the Church has a long history of using faith and reason together. Even modern science doesn't clash with Catholicism. That's more of a problem for Fundamentalist Evangelicals.

I think God would be like my grandma: very loving, very open, very accepting. She is my favorite person because her love is boundless, and it comes with no obligation, guilt, or regret. Some forms of love are difficult. Like with my parents.

I am beyond the teachings of a church, or a very charismatic follower of the Pagan religion. I learned this in my high school years; I tried to understand, to believe, but I cannot have faith in something so alien to me. I was raised without any religion at all. In a Christian youth group I felt so alone, so different, because I thought it was brainwashing, corrupting young, impressionable minds. Following my source of infatuation, a very charismatic classmate, into the rituals and beliefs of paganism brought me only into a strange relief that if I do not believe in God, how could there be a Goddess? I can't get over the level of belonging I felt with this person; but it was poison. While my insides screamed for him, my mind quietly dismissed us.

And so I am left, all alone in my beautiful beliefs. It is so wonderful to true to myself. I only wish that I could explore religion again...it's hard to get back in without someone to follow. I need relationships like that. Infatuated.

Devola

I've been a strong believer all my life cause I was raised catholic. I even went to catholic school from 1rst to 9th grade. If you want to see adults brain washing kids in believing in God watch the documentary Jesus Camp. I'm catholic and I think it screwed up how they run a camp like that. It's too much to describe and it's something you'd only have to see to believe.

I thought what if God was a scientist that figured everything out since everything we know and see involves science. It really is something to think about because science solves just about everything now a days. I don't believe that if you are atheist that you will burn in Hell. I think as long as you believe in good there is no reason God wouldn't except you. I'm a Catholic that believes a little more then just God. -indeed