*whispers loudly and indiscreetly" religion is actually really important and the purpose of its existence can be explained, in short, as the human need for connection, community, and confidence about your place in the universe.

*whispers even louder, somehow"
Denying the importance of religion is not only naive, it's offensive. Religious people are not stupid or lesser, they simply believe they know their place in the universe and it provides comfort and a sense of purpose.

For many, it is the driver behind living and making important decisions. It provides a basis for moral code and lifestyle. It is a huge part of the human experience, even if you yourself are not religious.

On top of that, humans are pack animals. Most of us require connection, community, and religion provides that for many people. Even you atheists have that community, which in my experience involves shitting on everyone who is religious (in MY experience, chill out wyatt)

We don't need to "move past religion" we need to move past religious intolerance. It isn't belief in a god that caused wars, it's the belief that everyone who disagrees is somehow lesser.

I'm not saying this as a christian, I'm pretty fuckin far from christian, have my own ideas and philosophies that dont really align with any religion. But despite that, I do recognize the importance of religion, even if my experience with it is not like everyone else's.

What I'm saying is, stfu about "religious people are stupid" and "we need to evolve past religion" it's actually very beneficial to people and you're not better than anyone else just because you think ur smarter.