Although Nietzsche viewed Christianity as life-denying, he did not altogether hate the idea of religion per se. His problem with Christianity is that it has lost its purpose and focuses on those who suffer, promising them a better afterlife instead of showing them a better life. Religion, he believed, could lay a pivotal role in society if used in the proper manner and by the right individuals. The religious, according to Nietzsche, can be a powerful instrument in human and cultural development if it is in the right hands and devoted to positive life-affirming ends, unlike the values that were present in Christianity. Before we go any further, it is essential to understand what Nietzsche means by "free spirit," which can be defined as someone who does not allow themselves to be tied down to any of the truths that are based on prejudice and are not caught up in any one point of view. A free spirit also looks at the world from many different perspectives, uncovering the biases and assumptions that underlie any particular point of view. Thus, Nietzsche's "free-spirited philosopher" is strong with a mind of his own and is not influenced or coerced into accepting any particular point of view and instead of seeing parts of the truth, he sees the whole picture. This individual does not believe in any particular form of religion, rather uses his conscience to guide mankind. For Nietzsche, this "free-spirited philosopher" is independent and uses religion as an additional means for overcoming resistance in the exercise of authority. We will now see reasons how this apparent endorsement of religious belief is consistent with Nietzsche's critique of religion.
             For Nietzsche the modern era has turned away from religion and God. Religion, in particular Christianity demanded sacrifice, sometimes even the sacrifices of a loved one. This spirit of sacrifice has over time been refined so that we no longer sacrificed others, but sacrificed ...