Why is religion bad?

[CapnAwesome]

I think there are so many threads stating how religion is bad and the evidence on that is so compelling that even many of the religious have to admit to it although often with the caveat that it's 'organized' religion that is bad, or man's twisting of the religion that causes it to be bad or some such. What's seems to be lacking in the discussion often is why religion is bad. What is it specifically about large groups believing something that isn't true that makes it harmful? I have my own theories on the subject, but I am curious to hear what others have to say before I share my own opinions.

Religions isn't necessarily bad but they have a history of causing diversion among people.
Exploiting money from people.
Wasting productive time, with prayers for example.
Offering false hope.

But on the other side of the coin religions have a history of doing charity work, giving people in bad situations hope and so on.

I think that your answer falls more under the how religion is bad that is so often gone over. We know that they offer false hope and exploit people but why? What is it specifically about religions that attracts so many of these negative qualities or is it not specific to religion?