Like a great many people, I am not conventionally religious- and I mean 'conventionally' in the context of my day and time, background and region. I am, however, a believer in the unseen and the currently unknown. I suspect that there are many things around us that we just don't see. Hypnosis can demonstrate the human being's ability to ignore what someone else readily sees. And if there are physical things we don't see, how much more likely it is that we are not aware of the intangible.

I remember once hearing a preacher say, 'You don't get to pick and choose the parts of religion that you like. You have to either believe or not believe.' I say, Of course, I get to pick and choose! What is true for me, judged by my experience and personality and current understanding is what fits me.

It occurs to me that every sentient being needs the knowledge that there is something or someone greater than itself. Dogs accept that, calves accept it, churchgoers accept it, children accept it, adult humans accept it, the pope accepts it. I accept it. Whether or not it is a need based on fear and insecurity is something else again.