Whatever your thoughts on modern organized religion, the origin makes sense: to understand the world and give people comfort, community, and understanding. Now, I think religion fails in these on several levels, but when you look at it from that perspective, you can more easily find common ground with people. Also, it is infinitely easier to debate and even convince people when you understand what t is they believe than just dismissing it as “magic isn’t real, you’re stupid.” I think all knowledge is a good thing, especially when it allows you to better communicate. Also, while the institutions of religious belief are often corrupt, and while individuals may misunderstand or deliberately misinterpret their own religion to suit themselves, or follow hateful beliefs, in general I think we can all get behind ideas like “don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t be jealous, etc.,” a lot of people grew up in homes where it is understood that these ideals came from god/religion rather than humanist philosophy and/or practicality. Religion was the vehicle by which these dictates were enforced: “look Jeff, you’re going to hell if you don’t stop fucking everybody’s wife, okay? Jesus.” As our philosophical study has gotten richer, we’ve found secular explanations for these things that I think are better, but to many people a rejection of religion is inextricably tied or a rejection of morality. Understanding someone’s individual beliefs is the best way to start this conversation.