US comedian Rodney Dangerfield had a routine where he told outlandish stories that invariably ended with his catch-phrase: ‘just can’t get no respect.’

Religion, it seems, has the same problem: it tells outlandish stories that get no respect. At least that’s what I’m reminded of whenever someone tells me that religion should be more respected, or that I, in particular, should pay more respect to religion. Why do believers assert that religion is entitled to deep respect, or that we should respect people simply for being pious?

I think that it is natural not to respect religions:

Respect isn’t something owed.

It has to be earned.