religion.

as humans, what do we know about God? merely nothing. we put all our faith into mediums. religion is a medium. idols, sculptures, holy books and priests are mediums. we are mediums. 'powerful' priests invite 'holy souls' into them to talk to us - to ask for help or whatever they want. is that God? do we pray to God then or that holy soul who probably will get our needs fulfilled? we 'pray' for success, happiness and hope. prayer? another medium for individuals to reach God?

God? Who, where, what? Yes, I sound like an atheist. But these thoughts float through our mind every once in a while. It almost draws you on the line. Lately, I've read some material and even heard priests preach about how God isn't out there, he/she's in you. It starts within you. Find refuge within yourself. Thich Nhat Hahn's 'Peace Begins Here' talks about that. There is a powerful analogy. Here it is:

" Imagine a wave that is very tired of rising and falling, up and down, and
would like to seek refuge. There is a refuge for the wave, and that is the
water. If the wave recognizes that she is water and seeks refuge in the water,
she is no longer afraid of rising and falling. It is very important that she knows she is water, and that she doesn't have to seek water outside of herself.
Maybe you are a wave, and you are so tired of rising and falling, of being born and dying. You are looking for something solid, safe, and long-lasting in which to take refuge. If you are a wave, you don't have to look for the water. You are the water in the here and now. God does not exist outside of us. The ultimate, our refuge, is not outside us, it is right here inside us. "I rest in God" means "I take refuge in the ultimate." We can call the ultimate Buddahood, God, or Allah; it is all the same thing. "

Yes indeed, that's the teachings of Buddhism. but doesn't it relate to all religions? I know it does to Sikhism. But Islam, Christianity and Hinduism? I'm pretty sure. because there is nothing wrong with that analogy, all it says is God is in you; find God within you; take refuge in yourself.

My point is, how much do you believe in your religion? and if you do, a lot; then have you questioned its ways? as in, not doubt it but thought about it practically just to see if it makes sense. find answers to why this works or that works. and not 'just because' or 'coz god is powerful' should work every time. many turn to atheism because they can't find the answers and they take the door out. that's the easy way out. People who switch religions never looked deep enough into their own.

So, educate yourself. Find God. Make the effort because life's short. Your soul is soon going to face judgment. (do you believe in life after death? judgment day? - that's a whole different topic.)