...”I’m not harassing anyone. I’m establishing credentials”.....
Under who’s authority?
My own....if I have a conversation with someone who bashes others, then it’s fair to know that person’s background on the same subject.
That makes it fair game to ask.
So, when confronted with such a situation, I ask.
I must admit. I’m really surprised at folks being embarrassed by their religious affiliation. You’d think they’d be proud of it.