There is a basic falacy in this thread and your whole argument, Shambles. You simplistically reduce religion to a level that bears very little resemblance to the religions I have had experience with, and definitely not like 90% of the people I know who are members of "Organized religion." All good things are missused for evil purposes... patriotism, love, sex... you name it. There will always be those who misuse something good. How many times has the word "love" been used to get something?.. a woman in bed, favors of all sorts. Sex is the universal currency. Because people use others for their sexual pleasure, even raping them, that doesn't make sex bad... and you can't blame sex for it. All evil is done for complex reasons. When you simplify things as much as you do, it makes it impossible to even discuss anything with you. I can comfortably discuss these issues with Lonesome EJ, Bill D, Art Thieme and countless others in here and out of here. My friends and family have never been divided along religious or political lines.

Hey, how about a thread "Atheism: Unholier than Thou?" (Just kidding.) I wouldn't want to insult my wonderful Athiest friends.
Our common bond is that we both find the misuse of religion (or anything else abhorrent.) Our difference is that I don't make simplistic statements that because George Bush is Christian (or claims to be) that we invaded Iraq. That is such a ridiculously simplistic statement it puts my teeth on edge. I have no reason to believe that is even one of the primary reasons. When you try to make your point by gross oversimplifications you are impossible to communicate with.

Jerry