This is my own heart, my own definition, just giving you a heads up.

The bottom line is simple, have a relationship with God. Christians get so caught up in denominations, of versions of the bible, and of the church itself, we have forgotten that is was not supposed to be so fricken complicated.

God wants obedience, not based on fear of him, but because our relationship with him has transformed us. You don't need to wear a suit and tie, be at church every sunday, and host a bible study to go to heaven. If these things benefit your walk with Christ, by all means, go for it. But God doesn't require them, all he wants is the heart. Read your bible, because it is how you arm yourself against sin. Pray to him, because it is a direct line, a way to let yourself go to something greater.

The other religion thing is interesting, sometimes I think of people in the remote jungles and I get sad that they may never hear God's word. I try and let it be motivation. I don't shove my religion down my atheist friends' throats, or tell Muslims how wrong they are; it is not my place. My concern is with my own relationship with God. I will gladly share the good news, explaining how the gospel has changed me.

Sometimes, things are beyond worrying about. I personally think that somewhere along the line, 99% of people will hear the gospel, about the God of Abraham; in the end, it is their choice to make, you can't do it for them. I know many people that have come to Christianity from other religions All of them say the same thing, that following Christ was the first time they felt something real, not just staring at a painting, or a statue.

I am sorry about your dad, I too have a pretty shitty one. The best part is, God is the best father I could ask for, everything my earthly one lacks, my heavenly father makes up for.