I'd be interested in your definition of religion, I think. If we're limiting the discussion to organized religions, that's a very different thing.

I'd agree that the FSM isn't a religion - it's pretty much just a way to mock religions. I could say something like "ridicule of other religions isn't universal in Discordianism" but I recognize that as the same kind of excuse that Christians use - "we wouldn't do anything like the Crusades today!"

I'm generally in agreement with your last paragraph, but I think there are religions (such as UUism) that don't encourage people to deal with concepts instead of reality.