OK, so there are a lot of religious people out there that get all uppity when discussing God, especially if they are the zealous types. Let's have a quick look at God and then religion.
God is by common belief a singularity that created everything, it is infinite and within it is infinity. These are large theoretical concepts to understand, and when discussing infinity, well basically it means that anything can happen. Now, if there is a singularity designated "God" by us humans, than it must also be theorized by alien creatures too, for in infinity are finite or maybe infinite existences, dimensions, universes etc. What is small will always be made up of smaller and what is large will always be part of an even larger. In this instance therefore there must be an infinite number of ways to pray and communicate with the singularity we term "God".
Now lets look at religion or ritual. Religions were created by humans to set up rules and codes for praying to God. Usually with a priest caste in between taking some kind of financial benefit for their services. After all they talk to God directly unlike us simple creatures. So, in order to reap the gains of our deeds, these priests weave tales of physical heavens and hells to persuade the more gullible creatures to pay out constantly in order to ensure their souls are safe. The added bonus is that only their religion is the correct one, since God told them so, they and only they can talk to God.
So we now have an amazing situation where an infinite singularity is in direct contact with only one of its creations offering redemption on condition that said representatives get some kind of payment for their services! What a lovely set-up!
Now add to that that God spoke to many different religious leaders and each one is the only true representative and each one was ordered to wipe out the other religion. OMG! How illustrious is this God that plays with its creations, must be a 5 year old child with plastic soldiers. Although it is mostly portrayed as an elderly man, usually with a long beard.
In reality, God might be real, there could be an infinite singularity, but religions and ritual are evil! They are the creations of power seeking castes many thousands of years ago, with only one goal in mind, control the masses and get rich doing so. Create a fear and point the finger and control.
Now there you have my personal opinion!
I believe in God, I don't believe in religion.
