Personally I belief religion has a place.
Religion has been necessary in the past on many levels.
On the most basic level however people generally have an innate desire for answers to unsolvable(as of yet) questions. A strong need to believe in something for 'completeness'.
Look at a small childs perception of the world. They have/ask many questions which do not have a simple answer that is within their understanding. As an example my son was 3years old when my grandfather died. I'm athiest so I personally didn't do the whole heaven and hell routine. When he asked where his grandfather was I simply told him he'd died. Being a small child he had no understanding what that actually meant. The idea that one day everyone just ceases to exist and that's it wasn't an acceptable answer for him. His father who is catholic gave him the whole 'when you die you go to heaven' answer and this satisfied him enough to calm his fears.
I believe early societies/man had that more niave desire for answers too. Why else would we have 'progressed' thus far academically???
Religion offers answers and an understanding(false or otherwise) when there's non to give. It is a safety net at times that i believe is necessary even in our times. There is so much that is wrong/harsh in the world people still have that need to believe it's for a purpose. It's harder to live with the idea that everything is pointless for life just ends at death - that we don't go on anywhere that we just cease to exist... believe me, my religious friends are all more relaxed about life that I am.
...I'm having to leave this here - half completed because my baby daughter needs me(she's ill and just re-awakened)...i'm sure some one will shoot these ideas down [img]tongue.gif[/img]
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