A small group of Gods that I don't believe in.

This group of gods comes courtesy of our Japanese neighbors. They are the Shinto "gods"called kami.

Shinto ("the way of the gods") is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people and as old as Japan herself.

They (the kami) are sacred spirits which take the form of things and concepts important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility. Humans become kami after they die and are revered by their families as ancestral kami. The kami of extraordinary people are even enshrined at some shrines. The Sun Goddess Amaterasu is considered Shinto's most important kami.

Wow this is a tough one. I actually do believe in wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers, and of course fertility. A big believer in fertility. But are there spirits in the trees? Hmmm.

In contrast to many monotheist religions, there are no absolutes in Shinto. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Consequently, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami.

You have to admit this religion certainly has some great selling points. I mean there are no absolutes! That certainly fits my somewhat eclectic take on the world. And I am good! I knew it! And if I do anything wrong it is not my fault, it is evil spirits! You bad spirits, you!

It seems so simple and pure. So attractively non-judgemental. But.....I don't believe in it.

I could certainly see how this would attract many, many followers but I guess it just does not fit my particular needs. Once again if this is your chosen religion then I wish you peace. It seems like a beautiful belief system.

Supashi-bo.