Religion is just a method to control people.
If people cannot see this, I am deeply sorry.
I have no issues with religious people, just don't preach to me about your fantasy world and we are straight.
200,000 different religions on this planet and they all claim to be "the one"...
Choose wisely...
Why is a belief system, one which one is free to join or not, and has a set of rules of conduct, self-imposed limitations and restraints on one's behavior just a means to control people?
Say the Pope declared that before any one is allowed to enter church on Sunday's they are required to a pay a $20 entrance fee or be turned away. And such a rule would be strictly enforce. You will see how much "control" the Pope has over "his people."
Do you believe in anything? Do you belong to any group with shared beliefs? NRA? PETA? Labor Union? MADD? Plan Parenthood? Do you belong to any political party? Did you ever serve in the military? Do you have a job where you work for a company?
In Christianity, one is not kidnapped and forced to be a Christian? Practicing Christians are Christians because they actually believe in Christianity and it's set of values. Much like being a Democrat or Republican.
Again it's similar to the notion that when a religious person shares his beliefs, i.e., why he believes abortion is immoral, why is opposed to same sex marriage, why he believes in the power of prayer, why evil must be fought and overcome and not simply co-exist (difference between Carter - Detente and Reagan - Evil Empire). When those ideas are expressed it's called indoctrination. When secular ideas such as same sex marriage, LAWS REQUIRING inclusion of gays and transgender in history books, removing any references to God in our government, no difference in the basic nature of men and women but simply societal bias....
that's called education.