A Warning (I use the unisex She a lot)

The writer of fiction has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to religion.

A fictioneer knows the value of stories in teaching truth. She knows that truth is often best expressed in story, either by example or by metaphor. She knows that the entire spectrum of humanity is within the scope of the writer, and can be changed in a single instant by experience or by insight.

A writer knows that a person will believe, even if just for a moment, anything that they hope is true, or anything they're afraid is true. A writer knows that to find true happiness in religion, it must not be based on these things.

A writer knows that a convincing lie can make the general populous do stupid things (see Salem Witch hunts), and so knows that truth cannot come from a lie.

A writer has imagination, and she usually believes that much more, if not anything, is possible, and so things like God and power beyond our understanding very well could exist or have existed.

A writer knows that if a religion teaches in stories and metaphor, they must be true stories and metaphor, whether that be true to history or true to teachings.

It is very easy for a writer to convince herself that everything she has ever been taught in life is false. It is much harder, though infinitely more worthwhile, to believe in something she doesn't understand.

Admitting that though she has the power to create entire imaginary worlds, she does not fully grasp the one she lives in.