I have the same reservations about making religious assumptions of faith that you do, Eliza, but it isn't the "beliefs" that I really focus on where religions are concerned, it's the process of self-improvement that I focus on, and the aspect of Christianity that really matters to me is the part that is concerned with ethics, behaviour toward others, and self-improvement...in other words, the development of good character.

That is essentially what interests me about all religious traditions....not their various beliefs...but how the religion is applied in terms of personal conduct, self-discipline, self-awareness, and taking on responsibility for one's actions, and seeking to become a better person. In short: learning to treat others and oneself in a more decent and beneficial way, rather than yielding to one's lower and more destructive impulses; seeing other people as one's sisters and brothers, not as threats or "opportunities".