Religious issue

Often there are many equally valid, yet incompatible, ways to develop software. When support for a particular method reaches a certain size, people stop debating the merits of the different techniques, and create a doctrine around from their beliefs. Like a religion, such doctrines are faith based and are therefore exempt from testing or reason.

Known religious issues

 * bracket placement
 * naming conventions
 * using goto
 * using global variables
 * using objects
 * optimisation

Self fulfilling
One common feature of religious issues is that the faithful quite often work in areas where their choice is insignificant. For example, those who most commonly preach against up front optimisation techniques, usually work in fields where if they were to purposely pick the least optimal solution in every case, their programs would still be acceptable. If you never have to face the consequences of your chosen doctrine it's much easier to maintain your faith.

Beyond reason
It is pointless to attempt to reason when faced with religious arguments since by their very nature they defy reason. In the more mature camps, the arguments and rhetoric are by now so well rehearshed that the proponents can no longer remember the reasoning behind the doctrine.