debdodd,
I agree with you more than you would believe. Religion in itself leaves people with no answers or peace. Religion places burdens and laws on people that are too heavy to carry. This applies to all religion, including what most people consider Christianity. Religion gives people false hope. Jesus was more critical of the religious leaders of the time than with anyone else.
Many people call me religious. I don't take offense to this, but I don't personally agree with that assessment. My joy does not come from religion, but from the relationship I have with Jesus.
This is the stumbling block for most people. They can't see Jesus, or touch Him, or hear His audible voice, so they reject Him. That is equilivant to me saying that since I have not met your best friend, nor heard him/her, nor touch him/her, they must not exist. You know that your friend is real. You and your friend would probably be insulted if I claimed his/her non-existence.
I tell others about my relationship with Jesus because I remember how I felt without Him and how I feel now with Him. I would not trade what I have now for anything in this world. It is beyond description. You said there are many roads to happiness. Well, I traveled many of those roads and did not find real happiness until I traveled the Kings Highway. |