Algol,
Very good post and one which also has some resonance for a few cabin crew whom, I guess, missed the university social ethos
I don't follow the postings of Snr Skillet and guess that he has some form but I cannot help feeling that it is a philosophically (had to ask her how to spell) GOOD THING to challenge the mystical part of religion.
I have no doubt that some religious rules are excellent tenets by which to run one's life but I do not believe in my friend in the sky.
Nevertheless, human nature, i.e. hoping and praying instead of thinking and doing (well, for the masses at any rate) will win and we will lose, but it's great to live in a transient society in which we can challenge the assertions of the superstitious.