I have just been lent a book called "The Reality Dysfunction" by Peter F. Hamilton, which I have been told will change my opionion of religion. 

It occurs to me that I am not sure where I stand on the whole religion thing, so I will try and qualify my position here.

I think the need for organised religion is a two part deal. On one hand the church, of whatever type, is obtaining wealth and gaining power that it needs from the worship of its followers. As you may know churches in the past wielded this power like a large spiked mace on the world and everyone has suffered. 

On the other hand, those who follow and need an organised religion are generally weak minded, insecure, and not always but in the most part poorly educated.