The world would be a much different place without religion.
I think it is religion, and religion alone, that keeps the human race from living a much more violent and hidious life.
Laws are based off religion (don't kill, steal, boink the 15 year old next door, etc...).
Religion is control over the human race...that's all.
Is there a higher power or being? I believe so.
There are many many religions. They all can't be right. They all can't be the "one true religion" of God.
Whether it be the work of God, I do not know, but the bible (any bible in any religion) and everything in it was written by man. As said above, that's not to say the events of the bible(s) (and some of these events are fact) were not a direct influence of this higher power (we'll call God).
What's funny is that when you bring up the whole arguement of there being so many religions and that not all of them can be right, Christians, and others, claim that they are the only true religion of God, and all others are wrong, and if showed the "true" way to God, and they don't accept Jesus, they will go to hell, but those that have not been offered or shown the way to God will not be held accountable (the argument of isolated tribes still worshipping a rock or something). Religious zealots have an answer for everything.
As much as I think organized religion is sham, and that worshipping a greater power on your own in your own house alone is perfectly fine, and that the bible is a good book create to keep us heathens in order, religion is necessary.
I would much rather have my daughter learning about God and Jesus than nothing at all. The moral values she will learn will be valuable. To be raised without religion would mean possibly being raised not understanding that your actions have consequences, which is valuable.
I, personally, don't attend a church (hypocrits to the 10th degree). I simply help those that need help. Try to do good for my family and friends. And talk to our higher power or being on occasion. If this sends me to hell, doh! OK OK so my nick has "satan" in it. Maybe i'm doomed to hell for that!
Who started a thread on religion anyways?