How do I know which religion is right?

Some of you may be atheists. If you're sure that there is no god and that religion is stupid or insidious, you can ignore this post. This column is for those of you are agnostics, and who are confused, overwhelmed or undecided about all the religions out there. What I hope to help you answer is the question, "How do I know which religion is right?"

If you are looking for a pat answer, I have bad news: faith is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

I can't tell you the answer, even if I think I have it. Why not? Because you need to make the choice. Nobody can or should tell you how to find your maker or how to become one with the universe. You have free will, and you need to exercise it.

Don't check your brains at the door. As well as free will, you have intelligence. You'll need to be sure that whatever you decide to adopt as a world-view does not betray all the other aspects of your person. So if an idea seems stupid or flaky or inconsistent, dump it! If it were really true then it wouldn't be inconsistent with your experience and the things you know to be true. In fact, use the same method you use to validate other facets of your life. And whatever you choose, keep testing and questioning and refining. Faith is living.

Life is subjective. Don't pretend that you can come up with an objective answer. Can you objectively find love or happiness? Of course not. So, use everything you have seen, felt, and sensed in your faith journey. If you felt serene at some point in your life, was there a hidden message there? Have you ever felt your prayers were answered? Then that is a clue. Listen to your heart.

If the meaning of life were evident or easily found, we'd all have it spelled out to us. But it is indeed mysterious and you need to work at it. After forty years, I have many answers, but even more unanswered questions. Read about others' solutions, find out about existing religions and philosophies, think, meditate and pray. If you ignore the question, you won't get very far!

May you be blessed in your quest.