//Who are 'most people'? Shiva for example IS described as Universal Consciousness or Mind within which matter lies dormant. Matter or 'Shakti' is a subset of Mind, a material manifestation of Universal Consciousness. Not too far off what Lox was suggesting really. Not all concepts of God feature a grumpy old geezer in the sky, some are a little more elegant.//

I used to believe that Hindus thought this way and I was set straight in a hurry when several furious Hindus informed me that Shiva is a god and not a metaphor for anything, Krishna is historically real, the Battle of Kureksetra actually happened. I was quite surprised at the time but no longer. I've traveled around the world and spoken with many people of different religions both in person and online and there is no doubt in my mind: The vast majority of people believe in a theistic, personal god.