correct me if i am wrong, but in a way, this question and the reply you will give implies that religion sums up your identity. is this the only thing thatlife should be about? i have grown a beard recently and am getting fed up with people walking up to me and asking, if not presumingi am muslim. i hate seeming pompous, but seeing asa reply is anticipated, i cannot help but give an indirect answer, thenindulge in a little discussion in which i try to show the person why i couldn't give a straitforward answer. the point is thequestion is ignorant and quite jihadist, reflecting the natural stance of the major religions in our day. it could better be: 'what is your religion'. otherwise i also find it odd that religious affiliationshould be so important toidentity that it shouldfeature in any situation where strangers are getting to know each other,especially that everyoneis expected to have one.

i practice ancestor worship, but don'tand cannot refernor find it necesary to introducemyself as an 'ancestor worshiper', like so many people refer to themselves as muslim or christian, nor do i make it a point to be so jihadist as to ask (intimidate/exhort)persons i get acquainted withwhat their religion is, unless the issue moves to religion. this would be absurdsince this belief forms only part of my whole person. i do not think my religion would have and should have an effect on the friends i may have. there's more to life than beliefs. i think there is more to what makes me who and whati am than mere religious belief, and i think the same goes for everyone else.

this whole business of religion started back in the past when some leaders were trying to create a cohesive spirit among their people in order that they get the most out of them for a purpose, mostly concerning organization of production. there are many ways to make this happen, but some charlatan with a good understanding of human nature took advantage of the hidden fears within the minds of the people, entailing the creation ofa lot of teachings that had the net effect of necesary mind control. that era is long gone, and i do not see why people in the modern age should still be dancing to that same old beat that served a purpose back then. the knowledge needed to free people's minds is abundantly available.

there is only one way of life that is accepted by God and that is the way of life of 'submission to Gods will'.

what is and why do you practice 'ancestor worship'?

Jedi!!

The way of my people is to hold sacred the sky and the earth and the parts of the earth, the water and the animals and trees and the spirits that live in them and the spirits of my forefathers and the great spirits. The way of my people is rooted in our land, and while I am away from there I cannot practise what you might call religion.

Tal!