When religious piety is used for political advantage in the discourse of our society, what is the best way to counter it's evil effect?
Religious and it's headquarters are one of the instrument of domination of human nature and wealth. Horrible crimes has been committed in the name of god and churches
Laugh. Its always been a tool to impress the people, minus us. Shake your head and laugh.
I think it is worth pointing out that those who wish to legislate their religious beliefs will eventually impinge on the rights of anyone who believes differently than they do, whether they are religious or not.
It is also worth pointing out all the writings of the founding fathers that definitively said (in the U.S.) that this is not a "christian" country, and that our government is secular.
Also remind them that the path to hell is paved with good intentions, so even if they mean well they are very likely inadvertently doing harm.
Call them out. Ask if they follow the Teachings of Jesus and then use Luke 6:30 on them. If you are unsure of what to say, I suggest reading Delos McKown's speech. [infidels.org]