Before any further discussion, Jim, to attain a level of comprehension, you really need to read and report on 3 things.
1)The Future of an Illusion. by Sigmund Freud
2)Geneology of Morals. by Friedrich Nietzsche
3)Foxe's Book of Martyrs. by John Foxe
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I don't say these 3 pubications have THE ANSWER to your utter incomprehension as to why folks remained in the FAMILY, but these articles have MANY ANSWERS by people who thought through such conundrums as to why Christianity is a powerful and consuming religion.
You seem incapable of understanding religious commitment or cultic fervor to the Bible--probably because you think of it all as metaphors and power trips that one must bully one's way through--it's all about power, said Foucault.
If you wish to go beyond comprehending and enter a rarified intellectual world of APPREHENSION of the many truths of life and reality and human nature--perhaps then we can talk to some purpose and with enlightenment.
I know it's a tall order for a SALESMAN like you, so I don't expect you to buy my little lesson plan, but somebody else might--and that's my audience.
Cheers