text: is religion just an irrational love affair with an imaginary friend? there seem to be some parrallels between relgious believers and people who are 'madly in love'.  both will see the object of their loved one through rose-tinted glasses. both cannot stand to hear any outsider criticize their love. both will believe their lover's statements no matter how absurd they might be. both selfishly cling to the idea of their love and will not consider 'loving' anything else.  oh, and eventually, both get their heart broken by lies.  