Does God exist: It does not matter

The age-old question of whether or not god exists and the subsequent
displays of proof to support or debunk this has long held the interest of man. It is a
question that is held in high regard because of its profound implications on hope,
fear, life, death, discipline, freedom, meaning, worthiness and incentive. Issues
surrounding God has led to horrible crimes and mountains of guilt pilled on people;
but it has also ignited the liberation of the soul and invoked kindness and selfless
acts that go beyond what could possibly be asked of any one man, as well as
everything in between. My view is that it does not really matter whether a God
actually exists but rather to focus on the fundamental similarities that underlie
religions, spirituality and leading a life full of virtue and happiness. The feelings
behind the actions that we carry out and the spirit in which we live our lives are the
really important factors that cannot and should not be sidestepped because one
calls themself an atheist, or believes in a different religion.

I once asked a close friend of mine, who is a devout Muslim, if not believing in
a God or religion makes someone a bad person. He pondered that idea for a little
while and I think that it illustrates the point that Id like to make. Namely that being
a good person, leading a life that inspires others, showing kindness, serving others
and leaving a positive mark on this world are universal concepts as opposed to
secular ones and can be just as effective and lead to a happy, meaningful life
regardless of which side of the divide you fall on regarding faith.

We need to stop trying to prove which side is right and why, and rather focus
on the underlying reasons why religions propose certain actions, beliefs and
attitudes irrespective of the symbolism, rituals and links to deities that they are
associated with. People also need to avoid hiding behind atheism and throwing all
the virtues that humanity has and religions espouse out of window if they do not
believe in a God or follow a religion.