A couple of more thoughts. Every living being fears its own death. If we weren't afraid to die practically no animals would populate the earth, so I wouldn't call faith in God narcissism on our part. It is more of a survival extinct. And even those who believe in God are not thrilled by dying, but I do think they get some comfort from the thought of heaven.
The lessons we teach our children are more about fitting into society and being successful. Although, I can remember my Mom teaching me that animals feel as much pain as humans do. I'll never forget how she tugged my ear the same way I was pulling on my puppy's ear (I was 4 at the time).
I go to the Methodist Church, although I can't give a reason for this. At least they are non-fundies and don't preach fire and brimstone. I don't believe Jesus died for my sins, although I believe he did exist as a historical figure. But I do like the help they give our community at large. Sometimes I think I go to church because my father used to take me as a small child. He has sinced passed, but I feel his presence in still Church.
Given my druthers, I'd be Buddhist, but our town is too small to have a Buddhist group.
Joseph Campbell said a religous experience prevents you from having a spiritual one. I think that's true. Many people are browbeat into a certain religous doctrine as children. I think that makes it very hard to determine if we have a "faith gene" or just want a bunch of virgins in paradise.
