Dear Dr. Hogan,

After researching a bit on Richard Dawkins (namely, The God Delusion), my ultimate fear became more of a reality to me - there was no God (It should be noted that I did not end my research there, but the evidence against a deity was overwhelming). That is, however, until my Father passed away. I recently had a dream that involved my Father. My family was present - although I saw no faces - and he assured us all he was doing "great". At the end of the dream, we each took turns hugging him. I woke up feeling as if I had just hugged my Father. Like most people, I dream often. Probably several dozen times per night. But I have never woken up with a feeling of such excitement as I did after this. It was real. My first question is this: Being a logical-minded individual, it would make sense my mind has conjured up such a dream to help with the grieving process. It's been a few months since my Father's passing, so this is very plausible. With your experience, would you argue otherwise?

Finally, I ask if the Bible and all religion is merely a man-made concept to put at ease our earthly minds. As science progresses, it appears the Spirit World concept will ultimately become more obvious, and religions less necessary. What are we to do with the God theory and its teachings? What can we then expect this God to be?

Chris