Hi, yes, I can see where you're coming from with that, Kristin.  In fact, if you didn't believe God had a hand in every improvement taking place, everywhere, you probably couldn't call yourself a Christian!  (And being one of the more liberal/open-minded ones, you, of course, don't find God and organized religion to be one in the same--neither do I).  Of course, for me, God is a different thing entirely, more of a collective than a singular father figure actively listening to us and then doing what's best for us, passing down specific rules which we must follow, and then handing out our due punishments and rewards.  I've always felt that to be a very humanized projection of God.  But I won't claim to have any bigger piece of the truth than any of the other people on this board.  I think it comes down to the fact that everyone needs to find a way to exercise spirituality/truth/God, whatever you want to call it, in a way that resonates for that person.  For a lot of people on this board, going to Church services does that, and they can't imagine that that wouldn't be the "rule," or the case, for everyone.  But I do think that the person for whom Church is an alienating, distracting, or otherwise superfluous experience, should follow his or her conscience and not go, should seek out a better self through another avenue.  Too wordy?  Haha--when you're paid by the word like we are, it's an easy trap to fall into.  

Anyhow, this is a great discussion--glad you raised the point, and are willing to publicly delve into your own questions and uncertainties when so many won't admit to having any at all.