Does the world need religion, even if it doesn't need God?

[Ace Otana]

Religion is for weak minded fools. The human civilisation is still in it's infancy. Many still bring themselves to their knees, close their eyes and talk to their imaginary friend. Mankind still has a lot of growing up to do. It's embarrassing to see fellow human beings lower themselves intellectually to the point where their intellect matches sheep. Some people, no matter how old they become....never grow up. Quite pathetic really.

[J.Wylie]

Whether or not world needs religion or God, both are a legacy of our evolutionary history. Please visit my new blog to see where I am coming from: Link removed

Respectfully,
J.Wylie

Another IQ2 debate

Wish I'd known about this as I would have been there. However, you can watch the debate live at 19:00 GMT by following this link

http://www.intelligencesquared.com/events/religion-god

The motion:

God is dead and man has no need of the myths and false consolation that religion offers. That's the battle-cry of Richard Dawkins and other tough-minded critics of religion. And yet millions cling to their faith, finding value and meaning in the concepts and rituals they adhere to. But is this dichotomy all we have to choose from – prostration or denigration? Some would argue that there's another way, that it's possible to remain an atheist and still make use of certain ideas and practices of religion that secular society has failed to engender – the promotion of morality and a spirit of community, for example, and the ability to cope with loss, failure and our own mortality. But is this "religion for atheists" something that would ever catch on? Without belief in the numinous and some form of authority wouldn't it all fall apart? And do atheists really need sermons and reminders to be good?