Some of what you say makes some sense to me. However for many people, religion brings them inner peace. There are many people who live in this world, who believe and they do not preach. Religion does not cause the problems in this world, people cause the problems. I had someone tell me one time, that it was there choice to believe how they chose and by believing they felt better and after a lifetime of believing if they died and there was no after life, what had they lost??? They had still lived a great life, however if I chose not to believe and when I died and there turned out to be an after life, what had I lost??? I think it is all a matter of choice and we should all be free to choose! My biggest complaint about over the top religious people is 7:00 a.m. when I am riding the subway and they are standing there with the Bible open, preaching! I sure as hell do not want to hear all of that at 7:00 in the morning. I hope by venting, that you feel better. I heard you loud and clear and I am sorry that you suffered. Have a good one.