What is to be done about religion?

[robvalue]

I don't know if I've explained myself very well!

I have never (as far as I remember) randomly approached someone, even a friend, and started telling them what I think they should believe. I've never gone up to a religious person (and I've known a few) and started an argument about it. This is a terrible approach anyway, in my experience. You're almost guaranteed to fail. The times I have changed people's minds about things in real life have been when people have come to me, wanting to know my opinion. Then I give it, and they consider it. Sometimes they like what I say, and make a change. Sometimes they don't.

If someone asks for my opinion, generally speaking I'll shoot from the hip unless I have a reason not to. Some people are so deluded that it barely matters what I say anyway; and some situations may require tact, of course.

This forum is an excellent example of how I can try and put out what I consider to be good ideas, while hopefully being unobtrusive. No one has to read anything I write. Even if I'm writing it to them in particular. And if I'm ever annoying anyone, they only have to say and I'll stop talking to them.

I'll never say I think religion is a good thing (unless someone convinces me that it is). But neither will I ever say they shouldn't be allowed to be religious if they want to. I'll never say indoctrination is a good thing, but I respect that parents have to do what they think is best for their children.