I have, for a number of reasons, understood religions as art, rather than a business. A lot of people will say that yes there is aesthetic value to religions, but that's not quite what I mean. Yes there is a religious aesthetic, but no I mean in a more general sense religion is its own category of art, like painting, drama, or photography, religion may actually be the highest expression of art possible. It is in fact the highest because often the subject is the observer and the observed at the same time -- that is a person reflecting upon the picture while being painted is a believer. The narrative that drives the religion and its rituals paints an entire world which is perceived by the believer and engrossed in this fantasy is his reality.