If there is anything, ironchew and Art, that you've neglected, it is this truth.
I didn't say it's not psychologically comforting, I said it's not logical. No shit Sherlock, of course that's why people believe in it. This doesn't in any way invalidate my statement, nor does it mean religion deserves my respect.
What I am saying is that being illogical and not deserving of your respect, due to the way these people think, matters less than you think it does. To them, religion only matters if it has the person in question's respect and a sufficient number of fellows who believe likewise. They can simply decree your respect not necessary, and your reasons inapplicable, due to their own thoughts.
What I am getting at, is that the truth, regardless how vaunted it is, is a fragile thing.