If there were no religions, the world would be the same. Maybe worse. Many people find hope in religion and can use it to change their lives for the better. The real problem is people who believe their way of life and opinions are the only way, and wish to punish those who disagree.
We find this in political ideologies, not just religion. You have those who have made global warming their religion and wish to jail those who disagree with their views. Do they honestly think those people are going quietly? That could cause a civil war. Then we also have governments who preach that countries that are doing better economically are only that way because they have stolen the riches from the first country, when in truth it's their country's poor policies that have led to their situation. If they can get enough people to believe it, there is enough support to wage war. Possibly to start terrorist organizations. Hell, neighbors have started "wars" with each other over small things. It's all just human nature.
