is religion worth it?

Today I sit at my desk and contemplate if the religious pressures from some religions to their followers are too much. Many of us have been baptized, confirmed, and attended church since we can remember and even before then. We all have been instilled with the same basic stories, values, and commandments. Yet out of all the things we have been told the one that sticks in my mind the most is to have a child out of wedlock is not acceptable.
Two weeks ago my cousin Patrick and his girlfriend Kelly gave birth to a baby Girl, Madison Skyler. As in many cases of the day our family was there to support them through this time. Patrick graduated from high school this year and is now a 17-year-old father. The future look bright and the family are closer because of this joy. Our family doesn’t look at this birth as something that broke the religious rule that had been instilled in us. Yet, I think, that we would have broke a bigger rule of loving you...