religions are , by definition , metaphors , after all : god is a dream , a hope , a woman , an ironist , a father , a city , a house of many rooms , a watchmaker who left his prize chronometer in the desert , someone who loves you-even , perhaps , against all evidence , a celestial being whose only interest is to make sure your football team , army , business , or marriage thrives , prospers , and triumphs over all opposition .