Re: Heavy, dude.
Good point. My idea of god IS the universe, nature, the world, reality, the Laws of Physics, whatever you choose to call it. I am even capable of reverent feelings, even spirituality towards that reality. It's why I have studied Astronomy since I was 5 years old, why staring at a stormy sea can bring tears of joy to my eyes, and why I can still pull my car off the road on the interstate just to stare at the stars.
Where I differ is that universe isn't out to help me or hurt me, as the traditional concept of god always presupposes. I don't expect good luck, special favors, or to be able to live forever in some eternal high school where Jesus is the principal. My only relationship to the cosmos is to contemplate its truth and beauty.