I haven't read the thread yet, but I will do at some point. I'm at work so I'll keep it brief. Religion is a container for faith; there is no harm in having faith, and indeed we all need it, but I feel it would be far more beneficial to have faith in ourselves, and the people around us, than a power that is impossible to define without getting into debate over it. This causes all the intolerance and suffering we all hear about, and some go through, every day. Religion isn't a bad thing, but the aggravation caused by the stubborn few who cannot accept that it is "each to their own" regarding faith, is far too prominent, losing focus on the faith we should just have. I am not religious anymore, though I will still pray when the chips are down, mainly for my family, because their beliefs remain strong.