Hey flightkeeper,
Here is an easy answer: Life- is a journey defined by oneself's human consciousness/awareness and conscience, that defines oneself's purpose, then uses free will thinking to design a plan and the steps involved, and when the plan is finished, set actions into motion.
You answer to no one. You are guided by your human consciousness and conscience. No other assistance is required.
You can rationalize anything you see, taste, smell, touch and hear.
You can NOT rationalize anything that is unimaginable. You might be able to imagine a "GOD" in your, but that is a fictional picture in your mind, because you've never seen him/her.
Therefore, you accept what you can rationalize and all other matters are to be dismissed. Because, if you don't, then your subconscious will suffer, you age more quickly, your body deteriors and you eventually die.
If you take anything away from religion- take this- Life Is Eternal and Heaven does exist. But, it's not what you think.
Life is Eternal- Yes, Human Being potential eventually leads to Immortalility.
Heaven is Earth!
Another to remember- Jesus Christ was a Human Being. He did not teach religion. Yet, his scriptures are in religious text.
The 'church' absorbed his teachings, and he followers, after they Murdered him.
He did not die for anyone's sins. He died because he refuse to preach religion, to perpetuate the hoax, religious leaders were controlling slaves with.