Deities and Boogeymen

Death is the one sure thing guaranteed to take life's sufferings away. And still, my soul seeks immortality in its search for God. Religion is tempting; but only if I can convince myself to accept blind faith. God is no more than a lie to some; and yet, to others, He is the ultimate truth. The shame and the sham of organized religion as viewed through the cynical eyes of hindsight; have been exposed throughout history as a con. Fanatics that claim to speak for God; seldom adhere to the words they preach. Instead, they embed God in dogma and rituals fueled by greed and wealth; a testament to their power of persuasion. We call ourselves a God-fearing people, and there is good reason to fear God; his followers have killed and persecuted all who would not worship Him. God's church introduced the use of heinous torture, including burning people alive in His name; hallelujah! And yet, some still fervently believe; for, like all cultists, they've been brainwashed to reject reason. Unquestionable obedience, coupled with severe punishment, are the traits omnipresent Gods have in common. The Bible bristles with examples of God's wrath, from the great flood to the killing of Egypt's firstborn; and it's all justified in the name of love. Blasphemy is the weapon leveled against all who don't believe in Deities and boogeymen; and start to think for themselves.