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But the true believers in almost every religion say that. That I think is the basic disconnect between non-believers and believers. The devout in almost every religion feel a deep connection with their supreme being, and they can't understand why other people would not want to share in that (either by being atheists or by being involved in other religions). I've talk to devout Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Bhudists, and the only differences between this Christianity offers you a relationship with G-d. The relationship is so intimate and personal that the only example of it in our world is the relationship of a loving husband and wife. and what they are the first and last words of the first sentence.

Which gives those of us on the outside of all religions nothing to base a decision on. All religions (well almost all, scientology doesn't count) look equally valid and invalid from here. All true believers look equally happy and filled with joy at their relationship with their god. I think it's just something people have to answer for themselves. Me, I grew up Catholic, my family left the Church and later I was born again, but I never liked it. I was never filled with joy in the faith, it was never a comfortable fit. So I walked away, spent a long time studying and seeking. Finally it dawned on me that I was happiest in a world defined without God, that's when I feel whole and understand my place in the world, that's when it all clicks into place and I get the extra bounce in my step.

"...and later I was born again, but I never liked it."

I would contend that, based upon the freedom of the will*, that you never were "born again". If you had truly been "born from above" the Holy Spirit would have conferred to you, via regeneration, a desire to "like it", and to continue to grow in grace and sanctification.

(* "Freedom of the will" - That freedom to do exactly what you want to do, and to do only what you want to do. (Note that this definition is required due to the fact that there are far too many people who believe that "free will" is the freedom to do that which you don't want to do.)

I was never filled with joy in the faith, it was never a comfortable fit.

I think it is impossible to be filled with joy in the faith. I think it is only possible to be filled with joy in G-d.

I don't know what other religions you have studied. I have studied many, and I know of no other that offer a relationship with their god. Many don't offer even the ability to communicate with their god. Some offer the ability to appease their god when life is going badly, but there are no guarantees. Maybe you are aware of some that I am not aware of.

But if they all look equally valid to you, the I will offer you one other place to look. You will have to travel far to find it and you may not be sure you have found it when you get there.

It's a tomb that was full but is now empty.

Shalom.