Whew...
This is definitely a very intriguing topic. And ironically I've come across it at a time when I've had the sheer pleasure of viewing a video that discuss this very thing, and their theory behind the misconception of God.

I'm not a theologists. I didn't spend countless years studying the theory behind religion, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism.. etc.

I am a person that has like most been raised on the notion that there is a Higher Being up above the clouds that will take all your pain away. The one true thing that you can count on.

I too, believed, praying daily for answers to questions, for help in life, for love. Reading my Bible trying to get a clearer understanding of my role and the mindset of God the Father.

As I got older, I began to question many theories, however, being programmed the way we had, I feared that my question would cause God to punish me. My disbelief would leave me out there for the wolves, and even though my life as it stood had not been what some would say, happy. That was okay, because I didn't want it to get worse. So I simply continued to pray, and search for answers that I needed to build my faith. I mean, according to the Bible, men had been severely punished for far worse. Job was stripped of everything as a test to Lucifer, according to the Bible. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden and forsaken for eating forbidden fruit that would give them knowledge. Entire cities and towns were destroyed out of anger for sins, that of which they were allegedly born into due to the actions of Adam and Eve. The Jews were enslaved, beaten and killed, yet they were God's chosen people. God was merciless when it came to the Egyptians, however, didn't we all originate from the same two people, how do you separate then, as it is explained in the Biblical days. The Jews were chosen, later the Gentiles were allowed to worship God, thus coming Christianity.

Interesting, I know.

And the Bible, I've often expressed to people the key factor as far as the Bible is concerned. A MAN WROTE THAT BOOK. Now look at history, and it doesn't even have to be many years. You can take a story or event that happened an hour ago, and spread it through 100 people, by the time it gets to the 100th person the story has been so rearranged it is now a tale of fiction, no truth in it. If you don't believe me, try it.

So there is this book, written hundreds of years ago. And today, in 2007 after it's been interpreted, written in several different languages, etc. We are suppose to take this book as the Word of God. And live by it accordingly.

Let's stop there for a second. Living by the things in the Bible. It states throughout the book that if you merely ask your Father, you shall receive. However, most deeply religious people don't get anything they ask for, and it's explained to them, that either they didn't believe, or they allowed that belief to falter slightly, or God isn't in aggreeance with that request because it isn't good for you. How about: Have faith as small as a mustard seed and you can move mountains. So you force yourself to visualize success or answers to prayers only as small as a tiny mustard seed which by the way is very small, yet... NOTHING...
Oh...let's not forget the important one.. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all things acknowledge him, and you will have everlasting life."

So in other words, trust in an entity you have never bore witness too, it doesn't matter if logically that doesn't make sense. The bible says don't believe in yourself which is tangible and reality. Lean on the understanding of God... faith. And for doing this, you will have eternal life.
So... He doesn't have to prove anything to us. We are merely suppose to BELIEVE based on the rantings of a man that says.... YES THERE IS A GOD.

The Bible is one of the best told stories in the world. It's full of drama, suspense, action, war, love, family, magic, etc. If you like any genre of literature you will find it in the Bible. However, is it truly non-fiction. I don't think so. I think it was created to brainwash us, and take away our power to investigate, question, and demand answers. It was written to instill fear in each and every one of us.

Another question I have is. There are many forms of religion. And clearly the Bible states that we should not worship false Gods...
How on earth do we know who is the real God and who isn't. Which religion is the true religion and which is not?
How does a Christian know that the Jehovah Witness isn't the true religion to save your soul. And Christians spend countless hours, days, and money or guaranteeing there place in a world that no one has prov en to exist.

Isn't it interesting when you pose these questions or concerns to religious leaders, ultimately the end result out of sheer frustration I'm sure, comes down to faith. Faith is fiction.

That is believing in something that isn't there. That means I can create a scenario in my head, and believe it is true, although it is now. But I have great faith in what I created.
Thus it must be true. Wouldn't that make me crazy. You'd be trying to send me to a mental institution if I woke up one day and said.. "I live on planet Jupiter, this isn't earth it's Jupiter." I convinced myself of this and went out trying to convince others of the same thing, but logically people are like, it is prov-en that this is earth... Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Why is religion different?

Don't walk away from this thinking that I am an atheist trying to convert anyone anywhere. As I stated above, I don't have all the answers. I am merely in search of them. In search of the TRUTH. If there is a God, show me PROOF. I've even prayed this prayer many times. You want me to believe... then show me who you are. If all these miraculous things took place in the biblical days, why don't you show them now in a time where you need it most?

That is my concern. I am a person that strives on knowledge, not make believe. If none of this is man made make believe, created to condition and control society. Then show up and show us questionable believers who you are. We aren't bad people seeking to destroy religion. I don't knock anything that anyone wants to believe if it brings them comfort and peace in a world of violence and heartache.

I just want to know the REAL DEAL!

In closing let me make one quick statement about Christianity. Church, which is supposedly intricate to being saved. However, every church service I've attended is more like a motivational seminar, not a place to educate and give clearer understanding. You come out of there feeling hopeful, but not truly convinced...

I'll say again. I just want the REAL DEAL!