Religious Practice

The iron in our blood, the calcium in our bones, the phosphorous, zinc, oxygen, carbon and other elements found in our bodies were all forged in the nuclear furnaces of giant stars that burned out and exploded, spewing their atomic gifts hither and thither many billions of years ago. These processes directly formed the essential building blocks that made the assembly of YOU possible. The day that you were born, the Universe once again gazed upon Itself through new eyes- your eyes. You are a child of the Universe, or if you prefer, a child of God. And you are of the Universe, or God, a piece of the Universe or God we call "Dave" or "Francisco" or "Fatima" or "Bettina," or whatever your name is.
The above paragraph is about the simplest way to express this profound notion. At least, according to how I see things. With this central view, there will still be many more complex ideas that flow from this hub. One could create a rich tapestry of religious tradition beginning with this core idea. Others will feel more comfortable with an anthropomorphic version. God did it. God willed it. And that's fine, too. Whatever path calls to you, works for you, is the right path, so long as the calling is genuine and not delusional.
The point is that religion is supposed to be a practice, not a set of rules or beliefs. If you practice, understanding will come. Nowadays, understanding is "taught," and the actual practice is secondary. When the mind is so corrupted with dogma *beforehand* and practical application is discouraged, then genuine insight is very hard to come by.
Does anyone else find it strange that monotheism was crystallized and codified in Judaism, and the other two "great" monotheistic religions (Christianity and Islam) *borne of Judaism* are basically at war with Judaism? Wouldn't you think these closely related faiths would sort of form a union or something?
Why we are here and what our purpose is are some heavy fundamental questions we all have. Religion seeks to provide some answers. The best answers are presented with the humble awareness that no such answer can be sufficient for everyone, and those that satisfy some are not universally true.
12 Step traditions speak of simply trying and applying their principles whether or not one understands them or even believes that they'll work. Act as if, and see the results, they say. Work and application are more important than authoritarian doctrine and dogma. Always.