When you step outside the veil of the particular religion you were born into and look upon all the world's religions, certain similarities become apparent. All religions are specifically designed to address humanity's instinctual fear of death. All religions are based upon a primary premise that human existence is a test in preparation for some form of life after death. All religions have some form of earthly institution made up of a hierarchy of individuals in various roles of power and prestige. All religions provide some afterlife incentive for the faithful to financially support the religious institution or work to increase the religion's membership.
All religions possess one or more parental figure idols the faithful can worship and prey to.
All religions possess some form of religious document containing divine words of the one true faith. Over the past 40 years or so, I have had occasion to attend the services of several religions far removed from my own. Each time I was alone and felt very uncomfortable surrounded by those whose beliefs were different from my own. I could feel the unity and sense of family of those around me but knew I was an outsider. I felt the need to show respect and reverence towards the idol of their beliefs though I found myself asking how intelligent people could believe in such nonsense.