I agree with a lot of what Alan said.
And I consider myself a Christian.
How does that work, you say?
What he was saying about a lot of religious people, churches, etc, seems so right on to me.
There's all the wars and violence through history in the name of religion, things like the Crusades, the things 'missionaries' did here in the Americas a couple hundred years ago, Muslim jihads....
On a more personal level I've seen religion tear apart families, or control people so much that they blindly follow a path that IMHO will not lead them in a good direction.
And what is up with the signing a paper thing? That sounds like a pretty insecure religion where they make you sign something to ensure future generations will worship the way
they want them to worship.
I do believe there is a place for organized religion. Meeting with others that share your beliefs and worshiping together is good for the soul. But does that mean you have to join any organization started by men and go to a big fancy building? Maybe for some, that is what is needed. Everyone is free to do what they want, especially in America.
It is not the right thing for everyone though.
Just remember, religion is what put Jesus on the cross.