Musket sez: Our pious Christian brethren on this thread make such solemn vows and then get to pick and choose the bits they wish to believe.

Well, Musket, it seems to me you have lost your objectivity, and you've been overwhelmed by your own cynicism. I think you have a very limited view of religious faith as merely subscribing to a laundry list of doctrines and rules. And of course, you then reject this faith as ludicrous. And yet you expect the ministers of this ludicrous faith to be available to you for pageantry when needed.

Well, religion isn't so shallow as what you describe. The doctrines and rules are attempts to define what is beyond definition. Those doctrines and rules are useful tools for religious groups, but they are not the faith itself. Religious faith has appeal to many people who are far more intelligent than you make them out to be - some may even be more intelligent than you are.

But you know, if you do need to hire somebody to do the rituals for your special occasions, there are many inactive clergy who will do the job for a fee, with no commitment required. Those affiliated with active congregations, will usually be unwilling to do your rituals unless you, too, are affiliated. If that's the case, go to the clergy who are willing to do the job for hire. If you can't find them in the UK, there are plenty in the casinos of Las Vegas and Reno and Atlantic City - and they do a pretty good job.

-Joe-