Difficult question. With several difficult answers. TL;DR [spoiler]Yes. As Religion (Specifically Organized Religion) stands today, it serves as a rift between people. It is overly judgemental and impedes human progress. It is homogenously alien to most, if not all of the natural functions of the world. Humanity uses it more as a crutch/excuse than an inspiration. That said, [i]SPIRITUALITY[/i] is something very necessary to the human condition. The belief in something greater than oneself is the most comforting thought to many the world over. Therefore, while I disagree with the institution of Religion, I must approve of it's core message.[/spoiler] Before I delve in headfirst, let me give you a bit of background: I was born and raised Methodist christian. I attended church every sunday, participated in sunday school, VBS, and went to numerous christian events. (Spirit West Coast, Youth Alive, etc.) I departed from the church my junior year of high school. I'd never really felt the spirituality of it and the structure of organized religion had begun to bother me. (Blame it on teenage rebelliousness if you will) I am currently agnostic and maintain a certain level of spirituality (I do believe in SOMETHING), but currently do not attend any relgious organized events. At a baseline, my own moral code (product of my youth and circumstances growing up) finds the institution of religion repugnant. The benefits of gathering for organized worship is adulterated by the human need for power. As it stands today, religion is a control structure by which to pacify the faithful. Preachers forsake the spirituality of religion to instead spread a agenda of power and control. Harsh words I realize. But sadly, few churchgoers can reconcile their instincts of the world with the spirituality that comes with the belief in a higher power. They become detached and often lose the ability to think for themselves. (If not in everything, in certain matters) It's tragic, because I can't have conversastion about religion or politics with some of the smartest people I know because they bring so much emotion into the equation that if I even bring up the possibility of questioning their methods I am berrated. Another unfortunate thing I've noticed, specifically when it comes to the Christian faith, is that people use it as a crutch instead of an inspiration. They believe that because all their sins in the end are absolved if they seek to be saved, they can get away with almost anything down here on earth. They do not embody the Word, they simply use it as a 'get out of jail free' card. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the original intent. I'm rambling a bit. It's a bit hard to get your ducks in a row when thinking on religion because it is such a massive subject. But in summary: I believe religion (the institution or organized religion) does more harm than good. It controls the populace, creates gaps in our overarching unity, and serves all too often as a crutch instead of an inspiration.