@1dalm
As someone who once was presumed to study as a Priest, and who has read a wide range of religious text, including some which are not easily accessible to the public, yes, I presume to say I have an understanding of religion.
With that said, you do not have to like something or agree with something to understand something. -- Which is what I think you're trying to hint at. So I digress, you don't have to be religious to understand religion.