I think the most interesting part of your post is about religious upbringing. Most people aren't open minded enough to decide their religion, because they are brainwashed from a young age. Not to say that any religion is wrong, but most people will believe what they are taught about religion and accept nothing else. If I were to have children and teach them any religion of my choice, I think they would full heartedly believe in it. I was brought up as a Catholic. I went to a Catholic school for 9 years, but I personally think the belief in deities is absurd.