Religion is, ultimately, an enemy of humanity.
So we are talking here about strategy and tactics, not about basic principle. . . . To me it isn't, so there is an issue of principle. A belief that provides comfort and guidance to individuals, and the veneer of social practice that stems from economic and other social factors. These two things can be in violent contradiction, and either could be criticized from an external ethical or, if you like, political viewpoint. What I bridle at are characterizations of persons and their beliefs as 'bad' because of general or specific religious affiliation.