. All that we know for sure, we know from science. Everything else is just speculation. Claiming certainty about things that cannot be proven (such as life after death) is ridiculous. Claiming certainty about things that actively contradict science (such as miracles) is worse than ridiculous.
I think of religion as a way for us to explain that which is unexplainable. For example, "what happens after we die?", or "how did the Universe begin", or "how did life form on Earth". It's natural for us to fear those things which we don't comprehend, so we put it into a context that enables some form or organization and understanding.
If you look back in history, people often attributed things they didn't understand to an omnipotent being. For example: lightning and thunder being the gods anger. Of course, we now know that it's the updrafts and downdrafts in cumulonimbus clouds which causes a buildup of static electricity between the air molecules. There was no way for man to know this thousands of years ago.
Religion goes beyond this however. I remember visiting my aunt in a Hospice years ago when she was dying of cancer. She was devoutly religious. I asked her if once she was scared, because she seemed so calm. I remember her response to this day.
"I have no need to be afraid, because soon God will take me with him to paradise."
Now, I have no idea if this is true (I'm mostly a skeptic when it comes to the paranormal). If faith can help someone deal with a situation completely beyond their control, in which they are in tremendous pain, who am I to bemuse or challenge it? It certainly helped her deal with her end, and I only hope when the time comes, I can be so calm and accepting of the end.
There are many positive aspects of religion (I know there are negatives also). Most truly religious people I know (regardless of the actual religion or sect) generally have some things in common: they are humble, loving of others, and peaceful. Many of them work everyday to help the weak, sick, and forgotten in our society. I know you may not agree with their views Joe, but you have to admit they make the world a better place.