I have begun to study Buddhism. The first book I just finished, which I thought was really well written, is "Buddhism Made Plain", by Antony Fernando.

From what I understand of it, and these are points the author made plain, it seems that the TRUE (not the popular religion) teachings of Buddha (and also Christ, I think) do not concern themselves with a God or an afterlife. Fine by me, but then how is it considerd a religion without a deity? Isn't it "merely" posive thinking, or ancient psychology? I highly respect what he has written, and find much wisdom in it, but don't see how self-help equals religion.