[Rathji]

Since the topic was brought up, I was raised atheist and 'found religion' on my early 20s,

I don't believe in God as described by a typical Christian, despite being an active member of a Church. What I do know is that despite not believing in God is there is something about the whole thing that makes sense.

If I say a prayer, I get an answer - not like some guy talking in my ear or anything, but just knowing. Now some people in the room will scream and shout and might even call me nuts, but I don't mind. I know that answer isn't from the traditional definition of God, but I don't know for sure where it is from. My guess is that it is a result of my subconscious telling me something I already know, spurred on by the calm of the situation or the expectation that I have. Probably the same type of therapeutic effect as screaming into your pillow or sitting in a dark room meditating etc.

There are many other manifestations of the same concept in my life, and my life is better for it. I know the religious institutions I attend are not perfect, but I also know that my life is better now that I have these tools, so it is a trade off I make. I also know that I could find another replacement for these things, but I don't think it is worth the effort.