Man...the worst part of a lot of this is that there are good people who need solace out there. I think whatever you think about the idea of a higher power in your most sober pursuits...there are times in your life when it is absolutely a necessary thing to appeal to the strength of that which you cannot understand. I hate with passion those who abuse this for wealth and power. I support and love those who do shepherd their fellow man and live by the golden rule. Christ's teachings are a wonder. Its amazing/not-amazing how they were bridled up by the powers that be to support all manner of foul things.
But, there are many other universal truths out there that go beyond abused by the powers that be as well.