So lemme get this straight

[Cinjin]

relax that's not preaching. Nor have I ever banned you... nor could I.

Have you ever had money? Enough to put you in a different social class than those around you? I hear it is alots of fun for a while, then you begin to wonder who wants to be your friend because they care for you or who wants to be your friend because of what you have to offer. How could you possible know who's who unless everyone started out on a level playing field, and you offered your friendship without any verification or guarantees, that they will get anything other than what they put into the relationship.. you even allowed people to spread rumors and untruths about the nature of your wealth, and your motives. All in an effort to sift the wheat from the chaff, the wheat and the weeds. To allow those people seeking to be friends with the "wealthy" a glimpse at their true nature.. so when their petition is turned down their will be no doubt in their minds that their intentions were rightfully judged.

So why "belief?" Because it takes a humble heart to believe in an unknown or promise without security. Humility is the key element God is looking for in his followers. Why? Outside of "I said so." Humility shows the heart of one looking for a true relationship with someone they love rather than someone looking to take advantage of an opportunity.

The point you are trying to make is not lost on me, but the analogy is always going to be flawed because belief has nothing to do with love. The rich man in your analogy is not asking for friends to believe in his existence, merely to love him for who he is rather than his money/power. The rich man is also not looking for humility the way your god is, he is looking for genuine love and acceptance. In fact if the wealthy man is looking for humility, he's going to find a bunch of ass-kissers and phoney people, the exact opposite of what your god is SUPPOSEDLY looking for. I'm sorry, it doesn't work and it certainly does not answer the question of why ALL gods require belief in addition to love and worship.