I don't use the G-word much because it's too strongly attached to Western organized religion. Whatever god is, you could call it Fred for all I care, at this point (although I think there is significance in the actual Utterance of a truth). If I'm asked if I believe in God, I would have to say no in most cases because they'd be usually talking about that old guy with the beard on a throne who is our Big Daddy and who is completely separate from us.
Religion = dogma, to me. If dogma = thinking and acting like everyone else, fuggeddaboudit.
The Path is universal, yet different for everyone. Therefore I don't see how a truly valid relgion is possible. Even the more enlightened spiritual ideas...none of them are going to be completely accurate for every person.
Why do I believe the things I do? Well, I have very few solid beliefs - that's why we're all here, to gather and refine our ideas. Some concepts I'm slowly beginning to grasp and are finally solidifying into beliefs - I came by those honestly. I've been told I am fairly claircognizant - the ideas I've worked out over the course of the past 50 years or so are always with me. So, when I come across a concept that rings true (and usually corresponds exactly with my own idea, conceived independently) I get a nice AHA! moment and it becomes a belief, but always subject to refinement.
Well, that and the one mescaline experience...
