good point,

I guess religion isn't too far detached from the media (it is all basically stories made up or otherwise)

I personally don't believe any of it and choose not to partake in religion or most press related stuff. I don't go out of my way to read papers or watch the news, I have no TV

do any of you believe reviews in hifi mags?,

I don't, they will bend the truth to sell mags as will journalists to sell papers and so will preachers trying to sell religion.

I think in each case you need to believe your ears and eyes and come to a rational decision based on the known facts.