An interesting way to hint at the question humans have been asking ever since they learned how to. For the most people - when they say God - they man Love. As an infinitely forgiving, accepting, understanding, caring love. Not necessarily state of bliss, but rather the state of belonging. It is a human yearning for the warmth and security of belonging to combat fears of the scorched landscapes of aloneness. It is what gave rise to notions of haven and hell - the sinners are those expelled from haven, meaning - their peers... all of which eventually defined what is good and what is bad thus regulating human behaviour. This is all very simplified of course, but, as I am sure you know, there is a large body of credible works that discusses those, still interesting and intriguing, questions. My personal and yet unfinished journey has lead me to believe that faith (irrespective of denomination) is like railing of a bridge one holds on to for one's life ... while the wild river of life roars below it.