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religion was crafted by man to fill a need. what could that need be?

in retrospect it might seem that way and no doubt the power of religion has been manipulated by those in power. but what about in its grass roots stage? what about the beginning of religion, and i also would like to point out that religions are rarely created the way that they say. the Pentateuch, the five books of moses, contains a description of the death of moses. jesus and the new testament, full of symbolism, not so much literalism.
there is much confusion when the unenlightened take on the task of spreading the word of enlightenment.

that would be a retrospective view but where did these religions come from? as an example take christianity which in its inception was an underground association, not a religion. it was heresy in the eyes of the romans and the jews. it was the antithesis of heirarchy. not that i am fond of christianity.

christianity is about piracy and dominance. they stole the practices and beliefs of those around them, took what works and patched it together then squelched any remaining knowledge of the truth to stop any rivals and attempted to take over the world.

you two also forgot to mention that religion is about being part of a community and having a feeling of belonging with people who share similar ideas, kinda like a street gang.

i apologize for the early remarks in this thread, obviously i was not thinking nor expressing myself clearly. What i really mean is that we, being philosophers and free thinkers(if that is what we are), have an opportunity with religion as others do not. If we can free our minds of the controversy of common religious debate and we are able to see what is good in all things, then we should be able to examine any religion not as the demon that they appear to be but as fallen angels. to say that religions were created without the intention to lift man out of the mire and confusion of animal nature is truely beyond our ability to prove or disprove, but if we are to open our minds and disregard our assumptions and expectations and examine the works of wise men from all callings and ages we may find some thread higher than the superficial trappings that remain today or strivings recorded in and taught as history.
What is this higher level which has inspired many people in many times and places to strive for more than they already see before them? What of the wisdom and confidence behind which so many have rallied blindly begging for heiracrhy? what can we know of the intentions or knowledge of men long dead? What can we know of the subtle menaing of languages and cultures long dead?
we are so young yet feel so knowledgable. but are we? or have we been blinded by the mire and arrogance of a modern mental age, willing to be so content and self-satisfied with our own opinions that we cannot try on those of others like we might try on a new or unusual suit?
the best thing we can do in the process of learning is be willing to think in different ways and not be attached to our opinions or labels.

you mentioned in your introduction that you study philosophy in school, that might lend to your disillusionment towards the wise men of yester-year. when i was in college my philosophy class took me through a lot of stuff i never studied at home, and it seemed that people were so caught up in the argument of words and the attempt to create a system that covers all aspects of reality that they sometimes lost sight of life, the unifying principle. i call it snobby philosophy. or perhaps your way is different. i would recommend to you a book that has taught me a lot, but not everyone really likes what it says or the way it is written. it is called the secret teachings of all ages by manly hall:
http://sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/index.htm

i truly believe balance is needed in all things, between thought and action, inner and outer, doubt and belief, one and many, the seeming opposites go on but there is always balance to be sought.

we have gotten away on a pleasant detour from the topic, but i think that there are the ruins of good things within religion and taken outside the context of religion and original thinker can use the good from any system. a good example is nearly forgotten form of prayer called lectio divinia. if you are interested look it up with an open mind and replace an mention of god with a concept of a higher self, collective unconscious or soul as i know you do not believe in god.
btw if you dont mind, what wise men's writing did you base your previous response on? my own conception of philosophy is much wider than a standard one.
good day

even in most forms of buddhism you release yourself to a higher power.

i think when i made this post i was trying to talk about two different things, the content is what i am interested in and the religion is the structure that has been build around it.

One word "PURPOSE"
and that is all mrgreen

who else agrees?