I'll probably regret opening this can of worms, but here goes. Obviously this topic will provoke some and be seen as an attack. I apologize to those who may be enraged by my comparison, but I want to express this because it is very real to me.

Religion is Like an Abusive Husband
Imagine an abusive husband as portrayed in many a headline and made-for-TV movie. He imposes his will on his wife, demanding of her sacrifice and devotion. He punishes infractions perhaps with a beating. But she stays with him anyway because he has told her that he loves her. Worse, he's threatened further harm if she ever tries to leave him. He occasionally treats her nice, brings her flowers, takes her out to dinner... leaving her with just a glimmer of hope.

"Take the kids and run!" is the advice of all her friends. The response, a typical "but I love him!" She has completely convinced herself of her love because it is the only way she can really justify to herself that it is ok to stay. She is blind to the possibility of having a life outside of this one. Much as someone tied to religion is blind to the possibility of life outside of the grasp of religion. She convinces herself to believe her husband loves her even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Every single piece of evidence is tossed aside with a justification.

"But he hits you!"
"He doesn't really mean it. And he apologized."

"He won't let you pursue your dreams."
"But he's right... I should stay at home and take care of our children."

"He comes home drunk and angry every night."
"He works hard... he needs a way to unwind."

It doesn't matter what you throw at someone who is this afraid. She will always come up with a counter-argument that in her mind settles the matter.

This is religion in a nutshell. Keep them aboard with the fear of the wrath of God. Get them to believe no matter what the evidence. The result is a following that is so afraid of Hell that they will shut off all opposing evidence that might come their way. Hell was designed to be so scary that even the slightest possibility one might end up there frightens them into staying aboard. This is nothing more than a bully tactic, and is shameful in my eyes.