Historically yes, religion has been negative for a lot of people in the world, but if we look at the West today, and religion having lost its grip on society, anybody has to agree it is pretty harmless. Unless if you're Richard Dawkins or one of his hardcore atheist followers.
Some in the thread have also brought up positive things that religion brings to society. Let's also not forget that the opinion on what's good or bad for society is largely subjective. As a conservative I like religion as a phenomenon in society (not just my own religion Christianity) because it benefits conservatism, since religion is intrinsically conservative. Conservatism is an ideology I would strongly adhere to even if I wasn't religious.
Today in the West, it's actually more a matter of the secular society being hostile towards religion so much that it harms the well-being of religous people. For example, in my country Sweden it wasn't possible to open Christian schools until 20 years ago because the Left's hostility towards religion and its influence on people. Also, the secular society is so dominant here that many Christian kids are bullied in school for their faith.
Anyway, disregarding if religion is positive or negative on a societal level, it's a matter of freedom. It's a human right to believe what you want. Even if as a religious I might be less productive as a member of society, because a big part of my motivation and effort is directed elsewhere, I should have the same rights as everyone else.
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