When all is said and done, has religion been a positive or negative force...

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cailano

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...for humanity? I'm not talking about any particular religion. I'm speaking of religion as a whole, especially those that have had a lot of power in their society.

Are negatives such as the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition and the suppression of scientific learning (Christianity) the genocide of Canaan (Judaism) 9/11, Islamic Terrorism and the modern day oppression of women (radical Islam) human sacrifice (Mayan religion) driving rhinos and elephants to near extinction (traditional Chinese Medicine) - and the numerous other evils perpetrated in the name of religion - justified by the societal benefits?

Benefits including spiritual fullfilment, family values, the enforcement of morality, the preservation of ancient writings in the middle ages, and being a unifying force in society.

Please defend your answer.
 
Most of the benefits that you have cited are pretty subjective. How about the development of much of mathematics and scientific methods (Islam/babylonia/pythagorean Hellenes), the social cohesiveness and the mediaeval philosophical schools?

You also have to add the restrictive economics of Islam which has contributed to many socially backward societies that thus bray for the blood of the economically advanced to the negatives.
 
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