I was raised in a Christian household and actively participated in church activities during my youth. My father, who now teaches, was a pastor before transitioning into education. However, as I grew older and ventured abroad after high school, I found myself gradually drifting away from Christianity and began to question the validity of organized religion. Since then, I haven't returned to practicing Christianity, but I've developed a different kind of faith.
My belief centers around the idea that as long as I continually strive to improve myself, take control of what I can control, and share my experiences to help others, some sort of higher power—whether it's called God, the Universe, or something else—will guide and support me. I believe this guiding force is available to everyone, but individuals must first take responsibility for their own lives before receiving assistance.
On that note, I'm curious about your alternative to religion, if you have one. Or do you follow a particular faith? What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of religion? And what have been your personal experiences with religion—positive or negative?