I think you're on to something. Whenever I hear a Christian asking me if I've read the Bible I kind-of-chuckle. (Eventhough I've read it several times, cover to cover, new and old) My response is, have you looked around? You don't need a Bible to be connected with God. Granted, there are lessons to be learned from the ancient texts but they are by no means the end all be all. See, it's easy to believe in a glorified Christ, that is, a Christ who reigns in Heaven....in fact there are millions of people who do. Yet, I think the numbers would dwindle a bit if these so called "Christians" were contemporary with Christ. Would they believe that this poor, carpenter's son was the messiah? Would they stand by his side as he was pelted with stones, spat on, whipped, ridiculed? All very interesting if you ask me....but every true Christian HAS to become contemporary with Christ. The Bible is a good reference point but it can only take a person so far, advise him along his way, if you will, but it will not force him to have true faith. The answer is in the real life now. If you ask me, who needs Heaven? THIS is Heaven. I believe paradise can be found on Earth, right here, right now......I guess this is my message in a nut shell.....if the world wants to know if God exists I believe there is a simple solution. For example....imagine you are a King and you are in your castle. Suddenly every person in your kingdom calls out your name. Would you remain in your castle and ignore them? I highly doubt it. I think the same applies to God, as above, so below.....if we could all shut up for five minutes and call out to what we believe to be God, at the same time, do you think God would ignore us? Hmmm, I wonder. Peace!