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I am opposed to organised religion, mostly on the basis of the controls the church applies to the parishioner. This is particularly so of the new age churches where all are encouraged to have a "close relationship" with Jesus. Some of the practices of these churches are no different to those which extort money from people for use in bolstering their own riches. 

I personally feel closer to God, or the Universe, (or  whatever deity others believe to be the Highest Power), when I am among nature, Like when I am gardening with my hands in the soil, when I hear birds communicating, dolphins frolicking or examine the most minute  flower to find the most exquisite pattern and colours. It is then that I feel the power of the universe at its miraculous and magnificent best. 

In this age, authenticity is something that is more related to furniture, food and the like, but not necessarily people. It seems that in surviving the requirements of modern times, people have indeed become far too adaptable, often compromising their true beliefs to conform. Authenticity can be directly linked to the tangible outcomes arising from the possession a strong social conscience. Im my golden years, after a lengthy career in the helping profession, often wearing many professional hats, I strive for the authenticity gained from not compromising the values I hold at the inner core of my being. In the 16th Century, Shakespeare suggested that we can only be true to others by being true to ouselves. - Real authenticity.