See, I don't see it as "tearing myself down" because I'm not. I'm being realistic. I'm too old to pretend shit to make someone else happy. This is me, take it or leave it. Also, I didn't say "if you believe in God", I said "if God is important in your life". The difference may not exist for you, but it does for others. Regardless, despite your criticisms, it worked for me. Perhaps the issue you have with it is, (were you a woman) you are not the type of person I would be trying to attract. And that's totally cool. I'm simply sharing what has worked for me so far.
And Alex, I've gotten at least 2 women to reply from that line alone (or at least two have mentioned that's why they initially contacted me).