Quote Originally Posted by grilkip
It's off topic but I wanted to weigh in on that.
I believe religion is just a form of politics, or politics is a form of religion. As long as there are humans that can communicate and group there will be war.

I hate myself for posting a oneliner in this beautiful thread, but it's all I've got.
I agree, religion, just like government, is a means to control. If you can't keep the people in check, you can't get the money via "offerings", tything, or taxes.

Granted I think government and religion also does a lot of GOOD in the world, the power to control people never stays pure very long...