Thanks for the welcomes, I have been lurking a while and finally got the stones to create an account. (Not df'd, have a lot to lose right now if I am)
I guess what I meant was that belief in a higher power is essential for many, it gives them guidance and hope in their lives, and if geniune, can be helpful. But along with the love that most religions, Christian or otherwise, promote, comes a lot of hate. It may be disguised, and even taught as "love the sinner, hate the sin," but in the end, if you are not practicing what that particular religion promotes, there will be consequences.
Throughout history, people have been put to death because of religion, and by the religious leaders. JW's and other religions practice excommunication on various levels, and we know how harmful that can be.