What is the function of religion?

[Bob Kelso]

I have three questions:

(1) What are/is the function(s) of religion?

My take on early religion (which may be surprisingly optimistic to some on the forums, given my absolute disdain for religion) was that it was intended to function as what we would now call the "god(s) of the gaps" to answer man's questions about the workings of the world, and to bring comfort to lonely minds.

As for the more developed religions I'd say it's function was to blind and control the masses by way of bringing people together under false hope, all the while giving them people and things to hate.

(2) Should someone who does not believe in the truth claims of organized religions (atheists in particular) change his/her view towards religion if it is accpeted that religion actually has beneficial function for a society that our secular age is in danger of destroying?

If I'm understanding the question correctly, that you're asking if atheists should change their beliefs (or attitude) towards religion because it has some beneficial quality for society... then my answer is a resounding fuck no. Those who appreciate intellectual honesty, and truth, ideally should not play party to lies (even beneficial, comforting lies). To be real, everybody lies (a wink to you House fans), but lies of such a magnitude and breadth like religion are arguably a different matter entirely.

(3) How could these functions, if one remains thoroughly secular in one's ethics and thought, be implemented within a secular framework; should an atheist or a secularist develop a secular religion, and if so, what could it look?

It's called ethics mate, no religion or dogma required.