I don't believe in fairly tails either, and agree with Hawkins. However, religion and a being which may have a better understanding of the universe (that already makes this "being" more supreme than any human) have little or nothing to do with one another. Humans created religion... not some outer worldly being. Furthermore, I also feel that one need not prescribe to any religious beliefs in order to have faith in spiritual matters. Meaning mostly, what happens when we die.
My personal opinion is that most people cling to religious tales in order to fill a void and to keep them sane since they don't know what is going to happen when they die. It's comforting to think that there's something else, naturally.. The only thing I can honestly say I hate (and I don't use the word hate unless I mean it) about religion is the amount of discord it causes between people who practice differing beliefs.
I see nothing wrong in believing in something else out there, but to the point of that something dictating our lives at our very core? That's the part I find highly humorous. I just don't get how intelligent beings (humans) can even admit to believing the things that are written in the bible or any other religious book.
Love thy neighbor.. hey, all good no problem. Have rules, I get it we need such things in order to maintain order in society. But come on with all of the magic and miracles etc.. If anything, I feel that religion is a major hindrance against the evolution of mankind in general. Too much separation in any form simply can not be a good thing for us in terms of progress.
Faith is a good thing to have, so long as it isn't blind or dictated by those whom are miserable and only seeking company. And in my experience, that category is coveted by most who are emphatic about their religious beliefs.
I tend to think that death is just another beginning, and that our "energy" if you will, is recycled throughout the universe and is a part of what makes up matter in general. Pretty basic and mostly true. What happens afterward in terms of an afterlife.. I dunno.. maybe we'll all get to discuss that when the time comes. Which according to the absolute nut jobs shall be in 4 days ;P
Doug