It seems to me ...

[GeorgeGist]

that believing religion can give one spiritual faith is rather like believing a prostitute can give one true love.

The difference being that a prostitute won't promise true love or demand that you sell your soul for their services.

[Warpy]

1. Religion can be a source of

great social support, too, while providing a degree of certainty in a chaotic world.

However, it's often been called the best defense against spiritual experiences, most of which can be pretty scary.

I can't buy a word of any of 'em, but I'm OK with those who do. I don't like liver or Brussels sprouts either, but perfectly reasonable people like those, too.

I think the last thing we need to do is to exclude anyone. We're only strong when we work together, whether we agree about minutiae or not.

[Random_Australian]

3. I'll second that post.

Accurate to a t.

[Dhalgren]

2. A prostitute can give true love, if she truly loves - being a prostitute

does not preclude one from the ability to love.

Religions cannot "give one spiritual faith". The faith exists before the religion, the religion is the "clothes" the faith puts on...