""But they also have a lot of wise and pithy syaings which are useable as general guides in the confusions of life and which although they are not material can certainly be deemed rational.""

Plenty of Atheists and Agnostics have produced equally useable and equally wise words.

Religion is not an indispensible prerequisite for a moral, or ethical, compass. I have naught against religions, and I understand the need some people have to believe in a deity, but to assert that the only way to lead a moral and ethical life is through religion simply does not stand up to scrutiny.

In point of fact, religion is not even an indispensible prerequisite for belief in a deity.

Don T.