They may not solely represent a religion but they definitely represent it. Mormons also represent a part of a religion. As do crusaders. And the Klan. And people who circumcise women. And the child rapists in the Catholic church.
You don't get to claim only nice things are representative and bad things aren't as if religion as a power structure isn't the core problem in and of itself.
Some people go on dates to learn more about people.
But, if any of this story actually happened (which it didn't, but I'm sure has happened), I agree anyone so petty as to decide anime and video games is wrong for a young person...would want to do more homework before wasting their time.
Or maybe just wanted free coffee.