Religion drawing us away from God

The topic that I hate to talk about more than anything is religion. It is such a controversial, touchy, tends-to-start-arguments topic, that I just avoid it. There is, however, a first for everything, so here I go:

I personally do not believe in "religion." I never quite understood why there were so many religions to begin with. I also can't comprehend the "one true religion" concept. How do you know if you are following the right one? Will you really face the burning flames if you follow the wrong one?

For instance, can you honestly say that Ghandi will be found in the lair of the devil, because he practiced Hinduism? Will Protestants be stuck in hell for eternity because they aren't Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist?

Man made religion, not God. I don't think there is anything wrong with following traditions and having a belief system. I do feel that we are missing the point, though. Today, the focus in church has strayed from God. Instead, the focus has shifted to attendance and money.

I have always felt that being a good person, striving to help others and believing in a higher power is how we reach salvation. Too many people hide behind their religion. It becomes okay that they are a closet child abuser because they go to church every Sunday. So many people, attend service weekly, confess their sins, promise to change, and then repeat exactly what they did the prior week. Doesn't the Bible preach against hypocrites?

Albert Einstein once said, "True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness."

I'm not telling you to give up your beliefs or leave your practices. Just think about what your beliefs mean to you. Are you a hypocrite? Do you only believe what you believe because it's what you were told to do?

I read somewhere that, "the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human meekness, and in human responsibility."

Showing compassion and love for someone, trying to change your bad habits, etc. are keys to salvation. The next time you go to church or any type of religious service, just think of your motives for going. Are you going to improve yourself or are you going just to be seen?