It definitely has a few benefits (most things do). But are these benefits substantial? I doubt it. And do they outweigh the negatives? Perhaps, I haven't really thought about it. Do I want religion out? Not really; sometimes when I'm in the mood I quite enjoy the "You don't believe in God" response from people and the ensuing "Why?" biographical enquiries. I don't think I've converted many people (never really tried), but I do like to think I have opened people's mind at least a little bit. I like that feeling.

As long as in the name of religion people are hurt, not-tolerated, supressed or worse then no. Religion doesn't benefit a single thing. Common sense does.

Religion played a big part in human history and without doubt it led (along with other things) to what we now today as modern society. To evolve as a society we need to be different. I find it funny and sad that many people think that society would be better without *insert a group of people here / belief*

I find this post very interesting.

Trust me,  you really have no idea what religion is all about :)

Nope. It offers salvation for people in the weakest positions but besides that, not really. Instead, it seems to be a source of tremendous tensions between different cultures and I think that's definitely a huge problem. Also: War.

It also held science and modern society back for about 1500 years.

It gives people something to believe in when they are at their lowest but religion holds back so much progress. Just look at the anti-gay, anti-abortion morons. They have no real reason to oppose it, but say because god said so! and to add to things, you have the climate denying religious nuts in Congress who talk about Noah's Ark as evidence to back up their crazy claims. Religion has some good and some harm, but it's the extremists (of all religions) who do the damage because they are too ignorant to accept the facts, deny the technology and medicine which really helps us. Maybe that's why the US was so modern as a society back in 1776, as it's leaders were mostly atheists or moderate christians with common sense

Faith might not be harmful - religion, on the other hand, usually is.

By facts i meant that theres a lot of scientists (including theoretical physicists) that believe in religion/spirituality etc. Obviously its a small % of them (although i would argue its a substantial number anyways). These people are said to be the most qualified people in the world. How is it that they too dont understand science?

My problem with you original statement is that you assuming religious people have the same motivations for following a religion or being spiritual. This is just simply wrong. There are a number of reasons and motivations for it. And im sure it will differ from person to person.

I do agree with you though that most people, religious or otherwise, are clueless about the specifics and advancements of biology, chemistry and physics. But this isnt a major issue. Top scientists in the world are doing a major push to make science more understandable and for me they doing a good job. Listening to Lawrence Kraus, Brian Green, Neil de grass tyson, Michio kaku is a joy and very educational. I obviously wont understand the specifics but i get the gist of it, which is the important part. I dont try and explain it to other people though, because i know i will probably make a mistake.

I also dont see anything wrong with people who dont understand evolution to the finest detail to believe in it. You will never understand every little thing in the world but that shouldnt stop you from having an informed opinion on the matter.

My answer to the thread: Religion is neutral (most of the time). Its benefit or detriment to society depends entirely on the person practicing it and how they go about that.