The Purpose Of Religion

[JuliaL]

I don't think religion has a purpose on it's own. It is used by different people in a different ways but on it's own it's a self sustaining virus which exists simply by exploiting bugs of the human brain. Self evolving, self replicating brain virus which consists of information and is spreading through media, conversations, books etc.
Like any virus it exists simply because it can.

This, exactly.
Why some are more susceptible to infection can be further described.
The purpose fulfilled by religion for a mega-church pastor could be the amassing of obscene levels of wealth.
The purpose fulfilled by religion for an unfortunate individual who is unable to obtain resources in society might be that it allows them to band with others to become a more competitive composite organism.
The purpose fulfilled by religion for a fearful, weak minded person could be that it provides comfort by allowing them to hide from that fear of death.