[quote]gods were apparitions of observation -- reward, punishment. even the secular individual desires judgment; without that desire, group cohesion is impossible, as is civilization. humans created civilization to satisfy their need to be integrated into higher echelons of structure and meaning. they build their gods with their own hands; idols, once abstract fantasies and exaggerated legends, to be rendered corporeal by the light of the new day.[/quote] If God is merely an "observation," explain the idea that God is perfect, omnipotent, etc. These traits do not exist in nature, they cannot be observed. If God is merely an invention to promote cohesion, explain communism. Communism is atheistic by nature, yet the idea of a fully integrated society reigns supreme.