Why are we afraid of the WORD God.

I know a lot of people feel uncomfortable with the word GOD. I don't. I know God is tied to
many, if not all religions in our world, but I happen to find all of the connotations of GOD interesting. I mean, after all, it's only a word, three letters. If I used the phrase "higher power" or "the Divine" would people have the same reaction, probably not. I believe that GOD has a negative push for some because it is predominately associated with the Christian way of life, not that I'm going to write verse from the Bible (not even close) but a belief is a belief is a belief and weather you made it for yourself or were pushed to a particular belief, it can change at any moment. We either believe or we don't believe and I don't see any harm either way.Why are some superior and/or inferior because of their belief in God? Whether you are Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Unitarian, agnostic, atheist, muslim, or a shaman, we all just want to feel connected, not alone in this world. And if we can acheive this...the ability to feel connected with ourselves, others, and the world around us, why do we have to put a definition on it. Why must there be an academic explanation? Why doesn't anyone talk about how they feel opposed to what they think? Isn't bliss and togetherness what most of us want anyhow?

I guess what I'm saying is this: I don't feel like I can really talk to anyone about my belief in God or else they freak out! I'm afraid I'll be labeled as "one of thooose people". And I'm not only talking about non-believers here, I'm talking about hypocritical and non-hypocritical believers too. No one wants to talk about it, not really. Not to mention, it's always been an awkward conversation amongst friends, especially during drinks and dinner, ha!

I could write forever on this topic but I'm tired and want to go to bed...have to work early tomorrow morning. I'm going to finish with this though...want to talk more about my generation specifically and why I feel a lot of us are falling off the band wagon as far as church and religious practice is concerned...actually about all spirituality!!after all, the connection I was talking about earlier has to do with spiritual fulfilment more than the church or any other religious affiliation. I just like to discuss the religious stuff too because people have such opinions!!