Well written article. I used similar experiences to stay away from faith from about 14 to 34 years of age. I found a path to guide me and have more or less stuck to it for the last 25 years.

These days, I see religion as a continuum rather than a black/white interface. Each one of us has developed his/her own religion — and each one of us has room for improvement — and each one of us can use that religion for good and bad.

Unfortunately there are a few too many practitioners who are religious, but not really helping the world to a better place. It seems your early childhood was nurtured by errant practitioners.

To paraphrase a quote I like (but I can’t access right now): “The purpose of religion is to foster a sense of unity and peace for mankind.”