can you choose NOT to found a religion?

[Swissy]

Shrines also increase the rate of Great Person generation. You want to found at least one religion in this game, as not having a religion limits your strategies. Many of the civics give bonuses only to cities that have the state religion present. You don't share gold in MP only tech research and wonder effects are shared.

[Dominae]

You can choose not to found a Religion simply by not researching the tech that unlocks it. If you need that tech but do not want the Religion, you're out of luck. If, for some strategic reason, you want another civ to found that Religion instead of you, you must wait until they research the tech.

You can take measures to ensure that one of "your" Religions never has any direct impact on the game. Religion does not spread by wildfire, you have to coax it along with Missionaries. Furthermore, a certain Civic prevents non-State Religion spread. Finally, you do not necessarily need to build the Shrine that corresponds to a Religion you've founded.

Economically, it's advantageous to be the founder of a Religion. Diplomatically it's your State Religion that's important. So overall I would say that the negative consequences of founding a Religion are minimal (can you figure out what these are?!).

[DeepO]

Originally posted by Dominae
Religion does not spread by wildfire, you have to coax it along with Missionaries.

Sorry Dom, but religion does spread by wildfire... but complaining about that would be like complaining that the ATM mistakenly gave you $1000 when you only asked for $100...

DeepO

[Dominae]

Originally posted by DeepO
Sorry Dom, but religion does spread by wildfire... but complaining about that would be like complaining that the ATM mistakenly gave you $1000 when you only asked for $100...

Religion spread is a common but by no means guaranteed occurence. Sure it will spread, but not necessarily where and when you want it to without the help of a Missionary.

If truly did spread "like wildfire", Missionaries would be irrelevant. Do not expect bank errors in your favor every game!

[DeepO]

Ah, hum, sorry, I thought you meant it wouldn't spread on his own... Of course you're right.

DeepO