Alright, so I know I'm going to offend some people here, but I cant say it on another forum site, so I'll say it here where rules are less strict about religion.
My Mum said that I shouldn't be part of any religion that:
Tries to control people in some sort of way
Tries to restrict people in some sort of way
Tries to "convert" (Horrible term for it) people into one of them
Requires money
Requires people (Especially women) to dress in a certain way
Is somehow sexist
Is somehow racist
Is against people who want to marry someone of a different race or the same gender
Doesn't allow ANY fun
So basically, all of them, since each one seems to apply to at least one of the above.
Also, I know some of you will hate me for this, but some of this stuff you believe in ISN'T REAL!! ! So yes, they do make great stories, but with the world today, how could anyone honestly believe it's true?
This is why I see religion, especially religion forced onto religious people's children, as a kind of brainwashing.
I think that this is where the distinction between 'religion' and 'faith' that Nambo and Fnord touched upon, kicks in.
My grandfather is very much a man of faith, considers himself Catholic, and draws much strength and wisdom from the Bible; however he never had much use for visiting church, nor does he place much value on the word of the Pope.
I think all the fantastic stories in Holy Books are meant to be taken symbolically rather than literally.