istorically served as a guiding force, its benefits in the modern world are few: religion now serves as an excuse to maim and to kill.
             The history of religion is very rich, and for the most part very positive. During the plagues of Europe, religion acted as "A great civilizing force," helping to give people hope and keep them from rioting. This benefit of religion has existed for as long as religion has existed, and has been absolutely vital to the development of humans. Whether it was war, plague, famine, natural disaster, or political unrest, Religion was always there to give people answers to frightening questions and to give them the ability to go on. Throughout history, Religion has also served as reason to murder, to segregate, to war, to commit injustice, and to commit every other crime against humanity. Whether it be the Crusades, the Inquisition, or the Witch Hunts, religion has also been a poster child for the flaws of a mob mentality. In today's world, religion maintains its adverse effects. There are several examples of conflict throughout the world which are fueled by religion: East Timor, Israel, India, Pakistan etc. These regions represent a very big problem for the entire world. India, Pakistan, and Israel all have nuclear weapons, which means that if ever these conflicts erupt into full scale war that there could be serious consequences for all humanity. The most famous religious absurdity is far and away the series of Crusades led by the countries of Europe with the goal of recapturing Jerusalem. Never before had Europe united on such a large scale and under such an idiotic banner. Men were mustered from the far corners of the continent to go on a "Holy Crusade" that would take Jerusalem back from the "Infidels" or non-believers, meaning the Muslim Turks who controlled the holy city. The countries of Europe were repeatedly defeated by these Infidels, but the only thing holding them back from this mindle...