I am a Christian, but do not go to Church. I have a constant internal monologue with God however, but do not subscribe to the idea of God as toute by the Christian church.
My perspective on God:
When "He" created mankind (gender neutral), he created two types - both in "his" image - man and woman. The man was dominant because of superior physical strength, willingness to fight and argue, whereas the woman was more subservient because, like women throughout the ages she had to pick up the pieces and get on with the practicalities. WHo cares about burning offerings or philosophising on the nature of heaven and hell when there are hungry kids to feed and crops to bring in?
But more than that, if we accept the premise that women were made in God's image, then all the beauty that is woman - the unconditional and eternal love we have for our children, despite what they do...that came from God him/herself.
If you accept that God's heart loves us just as we adore our children, then I find it easier to see Him as a loving father/mother, rather than a rather more masculine despot who shall smite me, verily.
Most of the religion we follow is written by man, most of the churchy rules are man made. In a time where women were not considered equal in any way.
I just take a step back and think that JC was closer to the mark - a far gentler, love base faith.
As for heaven and hell - heaven is joining the cosmic joy after death - and to do this, one must not be ground on earth by anger and regret and hate and remorse.
Hell then becomes a denial of entry to the joy, but through our own decision. Our inability to let go of the earthly issues of our life.
Im sure I would have been burned at the stake for this heresy a few centuries ago. BUt I cannot believe that GOd embodies the masculine, vengeful, and quite frankly petty aspect He is touted to have.
God also has feminine virtues - love, fidelity, forgiveness, acceptance, tolerance - this has long been neglected in the political struggle for power from the church.