my religious beliefs

Dear Bobby and Lizzy,
Once again, I share these with you in case you're curious---not because I want or expect you to have the same beliefs. In fact, I am especially proud of you for your independence of mind.
First, I cannot help but believe that there is a benevolent God. Although I would probably call myself an agnostic, because I don't think that any of us can know for sure about such things, it is easier for me to believe in a divine Creator than in the random creation of the universe, including our planet's incredible beauty and the complexity of the human spirit. Additionally, I find some resonance with Christianity. When I pray, I often address my prayer to Jesus, whose story compels me. But I would not call myself a Christian, at least not in any orthodox sense of the word. I do not believe in the infallibility of the bible. I do not believe in the literal truth of many of its stories. I do not, for instance, believe in the story of Noah's Ark, or Adam and Eve. I do not believe that there is a literal hell, nor do I believe that there is only one pathway to God. I dislike many of the people who call themselves Christians but have hatred for illegal immigrants, gays, and anyone who disagrees with them.
Every morning, when I walk the dogs, I stop on a hill from which I can see our home, and I give thanks to God for the rich way he has blessed me, and for protecting my family. I feel extremely grateful for the life I have been given and for the success my kids are experiencing.
I am inclined to believe that the human spirit is not confined to skin and bones---that it survives our corporeal death, though perhaps it simply becomes a part of the cosmos at that time. If there is such a thing as heaven, it would consist, for me, of a reunion with my family and close friends. It would feel like a university, with unlimited opportunity to learn from scholars. There would be no more rancor, worry, or suffering. There would be only joy. And if there is no literal heaven, and our spirits are simply diffused into the cosmos, there is still an end to our rancor, worry, and suffering. There would be only peace. I am unafraid of death. I have lived a great life, and been blessed richly. I hope to live another twenty-five years, lead a college, pamper grandkids, teach, write, read, and travel---but even if I were to die this evening, I would consider myself a very fortunate man.
Love,
Dad