Along with misunderstanding comes abuse.... You talked about Islam so I am giving my two pennies to it.... In middle east, majority of the people have misunderstood the religion, but groups like Al-Qaeda who influence and brainwash thousands of youth have abused it for their own benefit... So I don't think it will be completely wrong to say that religions are abused as well...... and yeah lfc123, thanks for the guheyshwori example.... For me, religion is not just about God's divine powe, it's about respecting humanity too and I'm more than proud to be a part of such a religion that teaches me to respect everything around me as a part of that supreme divinity- be it a linga or a vagina..........