Mudcat Doctrine insists that one who professes a religious belief, is responsible for all the misdeeds and odd thinking of all people who profess to have the same faith.

Joe, I hope that's not true. I certainly don't feel that way. But then, I find all discussion of the history of religious atrocities completely beside the point in any such discussion.

Why would anyone choose to believe in anything other than grace, mercy, peace, and love?

Exactly! I'm with you on that. Interestingly, if I had to pick a religion it would be paganism. I'm pretty big on the sanctity and holiness of the earth. I only part ways with a lot of pagans when they start talking about gods . . .