Is religion to blame for as much bad as it does good?

Good discussion.I think true religion has only done good .What has happened however, is that the many persons interpret religion so as to achieve their own ends.True religion is supposed to be a guiding light to keep persons at one with their creator and live happy lives however many persons interpret religion in such a way that it causes division and hatred of one group for another .Religion has blinded many into thinking war and martydom is the way to reap the benefits of their creator .I dont think the world will be better without religion but it will be better without false religion

Yes, probably. Religion is a cultural thing and most of the fiercest conflicts are fought over cultural differences. Also, where countries have been colonized, by people of a different culture (take much of Africa and South America, for example) missionaries have played key roles in the undermining of native cultures. The same thing probably happened in Europe, but so long ago that no one remembers. The missionary St Boniface almost certainly acted as an agent for the Franks, and was, as such, murdered for his efforts by the Frisians in Dokkum. I've once read that the only religion that has started no wars is Buddhism.

I think religion stems from the nature of superstitious beliefs. We all need something to believe in for comfort and as a human race we are always naturally searching for answers and meanings to things which can probably never be answered. It's experiences and history that help to form our beliefs about the past and that influence our natural search for patterns in everything, therefore it could all just be purely down to human psychology.

Religion in a way is a law. It's a way for man to govern their life and how they should live. Long ago, there was no written laws, like government and police, and no religion. Back then, there was murder, rape, stealing, ect. So, without religion and other type of laws, there will still be bad people. Just if you take away the religion, they have one less escape for why they are a bad peron, if you ask them (and people like this always blame everyone but themselves).