People absolutely do confuse religion with faith. Religion is just the song and dance rituals, Modern Christianity sects still practice certain ritualistic elements (i.e. Lord's supper, Communion, etc...)

The decrees are referring to Catholic heads of church. These decrees do not have a real basis in The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Where did Christ say that slavery is ok? Those decrees are from Man, not from Christ. A lot of things happened in the Name of God, defiling His name.

I have faith that no matter what happens in my life, I am at peace knowing that Jesus Christ will be there with me. Either in life or death. I hold no ill will toward those who think different, mainly because I am not a guy who fits in traditional church settings. I smoke cigars, drink liquor, and have been told that people like me give Christians a bad name.

What people say to me a lot of times "Good Christians should be the example", without realizing that they themselves screw up as well, Christians are still people at the end of the day. At the least, That's how I see the world.