Faith and Existence- the starting point

I think. Ergo I am.

Existence is assumed by many people and the idea of non-existence is not routinely brought up by the organizers of religion. Anyhow, I think that faith in our own existence in the Cartesian meaning has to be the starting point for any Faith or any belief for that matter.

Furthermore, Descartes' analysis provides somewhat of an empirical flavor that makes faith in this idea enticing to include in the core principles of my religion.

Just because I am, does not mean that I know anything.

To be explicit, this principle only applies to the current mental state, the present ego. Given the Buddhist realization that this state most likely to be grossly contaminated by false beliefs, false conceptions, and other unsavory untruths, this principle can only serve as an explicit philosophical starting point, not a governing principle. Maybe that's why no religions emphasize existence. It kinda doesn't get you very far.