youre honest and I can appreciate that.No, I've been this fascinated with people's Matrix-style delusion most of my life. The more recent in-law examples are just to show the negative impact religion has on me. I've had other experiences too, the nightmares from going to a fire and brimstone baptist church with my gramma.
I have never had a problem with religion mostly because there was no religious tension in my house growing up.
I was not raised with any particular religious belief, nor was I tormented psychologically by it at night.
To share as you have:
I was once engaged to someone that was a devote catholic. In the beginning it did not have an impact on our relationship (for 5 years).
Just as we were about to set a date to walk down the aisle, an ultimatum related to religion was laid down on the table in front of me.
I examined and questioned it.
Soon thereafter, I decided it was not for me.
I walked away from that long term relationship with no regrets.
That was a tough decision. But I made it because it required action on my part.