[MargaretR]

An Atheist's view - and I am not suggesting that you should agree with it

Most people behave humanely towards their fellow men/women
because it is the way to ensure successful survival in any society.
This is a basic instinct amongst any animal that lives in social groups.

There is a conflict with another basic instinct for selfishness.
The two are in conflict, and societies adopted religion as a means to supress
that selfishness. It provides them with a reason to conform to a society's rules.
(for those who need a reason)

It is dangerous to attempt to persuade people to abandon their religion as long as
some people need a religion in order to behave in a civilised way.
I can't ever see a time when that won't be neccessary.

In the interest of peaceful co-existance, it is wisest to leave people with the beliefs that they have,
even though you may not agree with them.

Live and let live ---- an essential strategy for a peaceful existance