The Judeo-Christian "God" is an analogy for the living universe, a concept too profound for most people to wrap their minds around and work within. Unfortunately, in the telling of this lesson through the centuries people forgot it was an analogy and have taken the concept quite literally. This would be fine if it compelled them to be better people, but instead it makes them self-righteous and belligerant, particularly towards those who do not agree with them.

This opinion has offended some of my friends who are not bad people but completely subscribe to the God-analogy. I don't hold their belief against them, I don't think they're stupid, but they're very offended that I hold this view. When I try to soften my speech they take that as condescention, so I just don't talk about God anymore.