I'd agree with you tiberry, though - I wouldn't go as far as saying that religion was created,
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My underlying hypothesis is that religion was created as a means to absolve mankind of the responsibility to do what's "right".
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I don't believe anyone (except perhaps LRH) would ever be as cynical, foresighted, megalomaniacal and self delusional to be able to create a religion from scratch. However, it seems perfectly reasonable for existing religions to be shaped and remade if it allows for those in charge to gain some influence over others.
It *is* a two-sided coin, people really do want opium for the more difficult of life's questions, and religion provides neat, tidy, warm and snuggly answers - just as long as you do what the man (the priest) tells you what the Man (the Holy whoever) wants you to do...who can blame the priest if there happens to be some 'interpretation' along the way? Just like any other service industry, you need a salesperson to represent you and your wishes. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just the way it is.