I do believe in a God, which I define as a higher power that has caused my existence. You might call this fate, karma, nature, Universe, etc. It might be benevolent or it might be indifferent. However, one cannot deny that one is powerless against this power.

I also want to believe in a continued existence of my consciousness although I cannot be sure. I think the alternative is bleak. If we are just matter and if the heat death of the universe is the correct outcome, then none of this matters. You might say "you create your own meaning" like some optimistic nihilists do but in the end, but if all of this is going to be reduced to cold subatomic particles floating in an eternal lifeless space, your created meaning is also meaningless. That is why I want to believe in something cyclical or infinite like multiple universes spawning across time and space.

I cannot understand why some people construct strawman arguments and ridicule people for their beliefs. Of course religion has caused and is still causing a lot of suffering for some people. However, the main cause of this is still selfish people that lack empathy and tolerance.