An atheist friend forwarded the following post from an "Native American Elder and retired Episcopal bishop named Steven Charleston." Thought it was worth passing on.

I want to say a word in defense of organized religion. I know some folks have had bad experiences in religion. But there is one powerfully redeeming factor about organized religion that I believe should be thoroughly evaluated: pot luck suppers. Or lunches. Or brunches. It doesn't matter because the important thing is the food. Nobody brings a bad dish to a pot luck. They bring the best they can because they want it to be gone by the end of the meal. And that's where I come in: helping them to have their dish completely finished off even if it means going back for seconds. And, on high holy days, even thirds. So before you walk out on organized religion think of your favorite casserole: the cornerstone of organized religion in America!