I've always been puzzled by the shepherd/sheep christian analogy. Yes, the shepherd protects the sheep and finds fresh pastures for them, but that is because he wishes either to kill and eat them himself, or sell them to someone else who will do the same. His motives are far from benevolent (from the sheep's point of view).
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. — Edward Gibbon
