I cannot comprehend how outwardly intelligent people can believe in the existence of an invisible, impotent, being, based on stories, that have over the centuries been, told, re-told, translated, cherry picked, and twisted to suit the political machinations, and individual ambitions of many different times.

I respect that the basis of many religious teachings appear to be, to do the right thing, which in simpler times maybe needed more explanation and a story attached but in this day and age it is totally obsolete.

Modern day religion is a numbers game (my faith has more followers than your faith) and what it boils down to is simply a way for weak men to become powerful and control the masses. If a man tells you to do something you may question him, if he invokes the name of God then you are supposed to blindly do as he has bidden, why else would young men and women strap bombs to their own bodies and detonate the in crowded places.

Then there are the dietary requirements, fish on Friday, can't eat pork, can't eat beef, my meat must be killed in a special way, mine has to be blessed by a Holy man!

As for the dress codes, they are mind blowing, must wear a hat, must cover my face, must wear a turban, must have a beard, the list is endless and is again designed to take away free will. 

I pride myself on essentially being a good person, with a mind of my own and no need for priests or the comforting idea of an afterlife, which is why I live this one to the full.