I could never understand atheism. I was raised Christian and had my own falling out with that teaching, but I could never fall so far as to think that there was honestly nothing greater than me. I searched for a long time trying to find something that made sense but every religion just seemed like a collection of stories meant to make you feel the way the writers had felt.

Then it occurred to me that this is what most people need. Most people need to be lead to certain conclusions. These stories are like lies that you tell in order to convince someone of the things that you feel to be true. They are metaphors designed for those who are incapable of seeing greater truths for themselves.

This made me think, what if I circumvent other people's stories and attempt to see the truths for myself? The story, 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' helped shape this idea in my mind. It is my opinion that human beings are not just one step away from enlightenment beyond this world. It seems to me that it would take more than just death to transcend human knowledge, but if it were possible to make strides in that direction before we die, we would be much more equipped to move up the chain of awareness when we leave this world; if that is in fact possible through death on this planet.

And so, I created my own religion. I have even taken it one step beyond a personal belief system by testing what I see against other people's ideas. I am constantly refining and reworking and so far I feel as though I am doing pretty well. I can explain things in such a way that other people understand and agree with (some of) what I have to say.

I realized though; if historical examples are of any value, it seems I will have to go on a vision quest before I am equipped to truly show others the path I have taken. All of the Religious fathers of the past have endured such spiritual journeys in order to find greater truths and the ability to communicate them. I plan on doing this very soon. I feel like everyone who wishes to see beyond the every day needs to do this.