> This is a subject I've had in the back of my mind for a while, and I've decided to bring it to the front of my mind just today.
>
> The deal is, I've got this idea for a fantasy story that is pretty much just about people. On this fantasy world there's all these different religions, viewpoints, alternate lifestyles, etc. Just like Earth. And in this story, I plan to tackle some pretty serious subjects, like opposing religions.
>
> Which got me to thinking. If I wrote this story to take place in the real world, people would obviously see that I'm opposed to this religion, and this lifestyle, and so on and so forth - but if I wrote it as a fantasy, with religious systems I worked out instead of Christianity and other religions simply given goofy names, would people be more willing to accept this story?

Hi, I was browsing backward and happened on this message. Have you done much with the story yet?

I have a few things to say:

Main suggestion: Make it an alternate history story. Read up on the obscure sects and heresies of various religions; in your alternate history, one of them might have become a major force in the world. I don't know if that's necessarily a better idea. The other replies to your note had really good ideas. But in an alternate history, you'd choose which groups/forces/ideas become important, and which don't. And if there are errors and inconsistencies in your history, they might excuse those if the story is really good. (And besides, there are plenty of inconsistencies in REAL history! :) )

I'd just like to say I like Pratchett very much, too.

A slightly deep question, if you don't mind:
Are you against the religion, or the terrible things people do in the name of that religion?

(Runs away, dashes back, smashes the soapbox to pieces, runs away again before he can think of any other deep, meaningful thoughts to impart. Goes to lunch. Ciao.)