From my blog a couple of years ago...

We are born into our parents' belief systems....and if we are fortunate enough, we question. We create our own belief systems. But do we?
We are controlled to believe certain false realities from cradle to grave. We are trapped into perceiving a world in a distorted kind of way.
Who decided our own basic needs, wants and desires ? .......Parents, society, our cultures, religions and past experiences have determined our programming. We are at the mercy of things and people. But is anyone happy? Happy *events* are delightful , but they do not lead to self-discovery, growth and freedom....painful events create growth and liberation.
How do we de-program ourselves? Why would we want to?
What is real?

A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.