It is still relevant in today's society whether we like it or not.
I see more harm in it than good, though. There are some people I know that got into religion and probably turned their lives around and they haven't tried to push it on me or anything.
However, I see organized religion as an authoritarian institution in its nature. You give up thinking and finding what is right and wrong yourself and let someone else do it for you. It also seems to be a catalyst for intolerance and self-righteousness, as others in this thread have pointed out. Finally, the way it tries to impede scientific advancement (evolution studies and stem cell research) annoys me to no end.
I grew up going to church, but I've always been an atheist deep inside. My way of thinking could never allow me to accept that there is a supernatural god that can break the natural laws of the universe. Living in the Southern United States, I've had to put up with a lot of shit and have had to hide this belief of mine all the time. Many people don't consider a real person because of this.
I also respect people that don't lie, steal, kill, or cheat because they know on their own that it's the wrong thing to do - not because they are worried about being watched by some god.
"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY." --Hermann Goering, leading Nazi party member, at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials
Conservatives: Pushing for a small enough government to be a guest in your living room, or even better - your uterus.
