[Sekto Springs]

I don't really think there are bad religions (well, there are certainly some), just bad people who use religion as a scapegoat.

It is capable to be religious and fair-minded, perhaps not logical, but at least fair-minded. Anyone who reads in the bible that it's okay to subjugate women, throw stones at sinners, and condemn those of opposing faiths and believes it was either foolish or bad to begin with.
This is why I think religion should be a choice, and I think it's sick that people like you, Mat, were subjected to such a cruel environment during a time in your life when you did not have the capacity to make your own rational decisions. I'm simply glad you grew out of it as opposed to becoming another ravenous bible-thumper.

The Amish sort of had the right idea in giving their kin a choice. Trouble is, they cram religion down their throat all through childhood and don't give them a choice until it's too late.

Not all religions call for an all-or-nothing deal though. Christianity is certainly one of the zanier dogmas out there, but even it has factions that don't advocate extremes.