Truthfully, if I didn't think my words had some sway, I wouldn't write them. But I try to never have lofty visions that one singular piece or novel I write will ever be a religion-ending magnum opus. But I do think these conversations are an important part of getting people on the fence to walk away from faith.

For many, I think a sad truth is that they're deeply indoctrinated enough that they'll never be able to give up religion. I'd stand by my stance in the piece that, as long as we ask deep questions and aren't sure what "lies beyond," religion is likely to linger in some form or another. I'm deeply encouraged by the statistics emerging these past few years, though, about how many people are no longer affiliating with organized religion. Thanks for reading and for the comment, Kathy!