I think most are attracted to religion because of a sense of community, similar values, and living a "good life" rather than because they fear they will be cast into the eternal fires of hell with gnashing of teeth and the like.
Just like most of us here are drawn to mustachianism because of a sense of community, similar financial values, and living a good life (efficient, not wasteful, etc.) Rather than some form of financial fear.
Not sure where the religion bashing is coming from (I apologize if I am interpreting the tone wrong). While I myself am not religious, I have seen the joy and comfort it has brought to other peoples lives. I feel like I have that already and don't need religion to attain it, but I can still appreciate the value that others see in it.
Guess I should have put in a smiley face because I was just joking, not bashing religion.
:P cheers
As someone who is religious, I don't have an issue with the intent behind the OP's initial question - although, for the record, there are a whole lot more religious people who are sensitive and respectful in their evangelism than there are pushy obnoxious evangelists. You just don't hear about them as much
because they are sensitive and respectful. I suspect the same can be said of atheists, and agnostics - a few vocal, most quiet, and likely to share their thoughts only in the context of a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
Similarities between mustachianism and religious evangelism? I can see it. As someone else said, both can be life changing. Both are things people can be passionate about. Both can be "good news" (the literal translation of the word "Gospel") and therefore things that we might desire to share with others we care about. Both are things that must be lived, not just talked about.
That being said, there is a pretty clear anti-Christian flavour to this thread (not just your comments, spartana!) It may be subtle, but it's there. I have to admit that I'm now regretting having shared a link to the site with another Christian friend.
While "most" forum participants might not be religious, some of us are. One of the things I love about this forum is that (face punches notwithstanding) there is usually a high degree of respect for individual backgrounds, culture, personalities, choices, etc. We all rub along together reasonably well, for the most part, and that's amazing considering how many strong personalities there are here. This thread, on the other hand, leaves me feeling a little bit disrespected, and unwelcome. Not how I usually feel around here.