there is no need for religion

Good evening people of the Internet. Is there a need for religion ? Clearly my opponent says no. But before I present my case I want define some parameters of the debate. Religion nor need has been well defined here as such I will be taking and asking for latitude when considering what it means to need or not need religion. [Attacking Pros case] Now pro makes some points about how religion has and can be used for undesirable things, and I don't think anyone on the planet would disagree with that. But remember the proposition that Pro needs to support is that there is no need for religion. As such all his points here are non sequitur. [Arguments that there is a need for religion] [Economic] One of the basics of economics in a free market is that of supply and demand. When there is a demand for something that is the same as saying there is a "need" for it. In Nations where a particular religion is not enforced and people are free to not adhere to any religion or religious belief eg, USA, Australia, England some people never the less still adhere to religion. What this shows is that there is indeed a need for religion [Salvation from Nihilistic abyss] It seems to me most people at some point in their lives realize a few horror fundamentals of human existence. Those being but not limited to, starvation, suffering, poverty, injustice, just surviving through another week etc etc what's even worse is the limited resources we have in order to deal with those problems, and then what do we get in return for suffering through it all...............DEATH. It's at this point the voice of why bother ? I didn't sign up for this crap ? why not just get it over done with and die right now ? The trouble is there is no refuting these facts of life, it's at this point the choice of suicide comes into play and for some people and frankly there horrible, awful, pointless, meaningless lives suicide isn't just an option it's a temptation. But never fear religion is here to solve this logical progression of thought with in the words of George Carlin false promises and exaggerated claims. Religion can give you a reason to go on in light of such facts for example by the belief in a blissful after life (what ever you imagine that to be) or how this is all part of some mysterious divine plan that although you don't understand can trust in. Religion gives people a reason to go on living and take that shot gun out of their mouth. [Keeping the unwashed masses in check] Consider the following qoute..."Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful." -Lucius Annaeus Seneca People have a tendency to argue and rebel against their fellow humans and the various rules and systems imposed upon them. This creates a problem for the ruling class, but you see if such things are held in the minds of the ruled not of mans making but rather from the divine then they are more likely to accept and not rebel against it, lest they incur the wrath of the divine. Religion once again here show how it it needed. [KA-CHING $$$] A fool and his money are soon departed, I would add not just the fool but, the desperate, the easily manipulated, the uneducated, those who have not developed critical thinking skills. God loves you........................and he needs money. God needs money to do his work, and funnily enough you can't actually give too God nor has God actually set up a bank account where you can make a donation to the all mighty. Awwwww you say that makes me sad, I had my credit card ready to put some dollars into Gods bank account, But wait your in luck !!! there just so happen to be people your fellow human beings who just so happen to be doing the Lords work and you can give to God by giving to them and their particular organisation to do the Lords work !!! Just send your prayfully considered loving gift in Jesus name too............................WWW.Howstupidareyou?.com Are people really this stupid.........................yes, yes they are. This could only be achieved in a world where religion exists, and thus for such people who use God to extort money from people religion is needed. [I want to be important] Let's face it, no one wants to be a no body. Deep down,given the choice you want to be a somebody. Trouble is most can't be a somebody. Most of humanity who has come before you are merely statisitics. Statistically speaking most people are average. Well Good news, did you know that a great God wants a personal relationship with you ? Did you know that God has a great plan for your life !!! You are indeed special.....................well if you can believe that narcissistic non sense. Religion once again for the win. [DDO religion forum] No religion, no religion forum on DDO. Check & Mate.