I believe in God - I do not need religion

Hello again.I agree that our perceptions can be untrustworthy, especially when ruled by emotion and fear rather than rational, objective thought. I also accept the fact that my own perceptions are flawed and limited, which is why I seek to learn and expand my knowledge and understanding.Human beings are a combination of both emotion and intellect (in varying amounts). We all rely on our own judgment, to certain degrees, on a daily basis as we would't be able to function otherwise. We can at least "trust" ourselves that much. I agree its limited as we human beings are limited, but I see this as a part of life, we work with what we have, and at the same time, we also seek to improve ourselves in order to better achieve our goals.Evidence and fact, like this discussion, these words, and life in general, seems to be highly interpretable. Some would argue that its not (interpretable), some of it is physically evident, some isn't (eg theory - though scientists would argue that their definition of theory is - facts supported by evidence). Either way, people can have endless discussions on this subject if they feel that their interpretations of the evidence is justified. Be it through conviction or stubborness, one can choose what makes the most sense and so the "Truth" changes according to each individual. This is why I don't call for evidence, the evidence is largely here, all around us, in nature, people, books, scriptures. We just interpret it differently. "I know you exist, but I'm going to do what I want".This not what I am saying at all. At the very beginning I stated; "I appreciate, respect and fear (ie. I am in awe of) God in the myriad of aspects that I am able to recognize. I strive to be a decent person and to treat others with the same appreciation, respect (and fear) because I feel it is necessary to do so for all aspects of Creation/God."I promise you I did not say (or imply) this in an off-hand manner. Though my perception/interpretation of God is different, not once in this discussion have I suggested that I ignore God (as TheThinker01 stated - it seems without reading further than the title), or that I have a right to simply do what I want. I have mentioned my belief in decency and the importance of morality a number of times. I have also stated that I don't think decency and morality comes from (is taught) soley by religion. I understand this line of reasoning - religion first taught me about God, therefore religion has significant importance/credit.I even understand this to an extent - you can't believe in God without religion (though I don't think its true).This however, I do not understand - you can't believe in God without being religious. This is saying that religion (which is run by man - if not made by man) not only defines what God is but is is also as important as God which i would say is rather incorrect (& blasphemous).Like the concept of hell as punishment, eternal paradise/heaven as a reward for following religion is something that I'm finding harder and harder to accept and understand. Firstly, I can not begin to imagine what it would be like to actually experience eternal bliss and happiness or paradise, or torture. We only have this reality from which to base our expectations, and in this world things like pleasure and pain only exist in relation to each other (and basically "eternal" is inconcievable). Then also, everyones idea of heaven/paradise, and hell, is naturally different. Does everyone gets the same reward/punishment or is everyone catered for individually? As you say, "motivatation" through reward and punishment. Besides the ultimate threat and reward, religions also have very "earthly" ones, such as safety and peace of mind in a community of like minded people, and the threat of being rejected/shamed by that community. A basis for social/community structure. These are far more immediate and, I believe, far more effective as daily motivators.What I meant in my reference to the devil at the end of my last post, is basically for humanity to take resposiblility for our wrong-doing rather than blame it on an outside evil force like the devil. The devil seems like a scape-goat for us to avoid responsibility.I haven't read about Lawrence Krauss yet, but I will. Sounds a bit "zen" (glass half empty/half full).Well, that's all I have to say (that I can think of). Thank you for your time and for this opportunity. Peace be with you.