A couple of thoughts about religion and superstition in general:

It is not an honor or distinction to believe in something for which there is no objective evidence. I am happy to loose any “faith contest” with anyone because I am skeptical about any proposition for which there is no verifiable evidence.The effects of religion and superstition on human society are overwhelmingly negative. This is a rather obvious fact and no deep insight. Nonetheless, if you stated this fact, it would immediately disqualify you from elected office, at least in the
U.S. of the early 21st century. How can stating something obvious be deleterious in the public arena?

The majority of the public is conditioned from early youth to accept notions, beliefs and dogma simply on the basis of authority, not evidence. That’s all there is to religion and superstition. Ok, maybe it’s a little more complex than that…Consider this: When you were young you probably were “taught” about Santa Claus, or the Tooth Fairy or some other part of the western pantheon of fictional beings. As “evidence” for the existence of these beings you accepted the miraculous appearance of gifts and money under your pillow. Since you were young and impressionable, you never considered that your parents were simply lying to you. Why on earth would your parents want to deceive you in such a cruel manner and impress on you the factual existence of beings that live outside the physical universe; magical beings. Your parents did not mean any harm and there is a good psychological explanation that explains their behavior but my point is that your parents miss-used their authority to teach you bullshit.

Never accept bullshit. Always ask: How do you know? What is your evidence? Are you being honest with me? Is it possible that you have an ulterior motive and are trying to deceive me? Can I verify your “facts” independently? Base your faith on the answers to these questions, not the actual proposition you are asked to believe “on faith” by the authority.

Whenever you hear any authority telling you things, ask the above questions and religion will be a much tougher proposition for you to accept.

As with many good things in life, rejecting religion and superstition carries a penalty: You will have to think for yourself. Tough, but manageable. The trick is to practice the process of thinking whenever you get a chance. It is like walking. Once the skill is acquired you can not loose it and sometimes wonder how you ever managed without it.