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If you're talking about organized religion, I agree. I have zero problems with people having and practicing their faith as long as they don't hurt, harass or infringe on the liberties of others.

A reasoned approach. I agree.

Group dynamics and demagoguery can take over when they get organized though, often to someone's detriment. This can be as relatively harmless as the back-stabbing fashion show/social clubs that many Christian churches around here have become, to our favorite pastime of the Muslims -- killing people.

I stopped going to church shortly after I got married, and stayed away for almost 10 years because I was sickened at what my church had become - a smarmy social gathering point where you were judged on the clothes you wore, how many cars you owned or what your home was worth. Church should always be about worshipping God and bettering yourself, not determining your neighbor's social status. Fortunately, I found a church a few years ago where the real focus is on God and spiritual matters in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I'm very happy there, and I feel closer to God than I have in years.

I stopped going to church shortly after I got married, and stayed away for almost 10 years because I was sickened at what my church had become - a smarmy social gathering point where you were judged on the clothes you wore, how many cars you owned or what your home was worth.

It's sad how people can destroy something. I was raised with fairly positive religion and experienced none of that. I learned about this aspect listening to churchgoers I know complain. I also learned about a church here that doesn't do that, and try to hook them up. Yes, given the demographics here most of my friends are religious. But we can speak about religion (or the lack thereof) respectfully and never have any problems.