why do so many people need god to be good?

I'm religious, but I agree with you that it shouldn't be God who makes you a good person. Also, if you're religious because you're afraid of going to Hell, that is pathetic. Religion should be followed to better improve your life, and not used as the main improvement factor. Improvement is done by yourself - God can't do that for you.

However, why is it wrong if someone becomes a better person due to following a religion? I believe that if someone can stop being a crack addict because they've found God, that is a great thing. The negative thing is them then trying to push that same religion unto others who might not want it.

In the end, whether God exists or not is irrelevant - If believing in God can help you be a better person, that would make Him real. Even if it is only a placebo effect - Placebo's are still medicine if they cure you. Catch my drift?

Oh, and on a side note, I do not believe in an invisible man in the sky with a beard and all that crap. I believe God is the energy that maintains existence. Basically, I believe the "Higgs Particle" is an all-encompassing entity, and the collective name for everything that exists and keeps life in motion would be: God.

Because people are f*cking stupid. There is no other way to put it. The whole idea of morals is good, but the idea that if you aren't good, God will throw you in hell for eternal damnation is ridiculous.

Now, I'm an atheist, so I don't even believe in a god. The reason is because there is no need for a god. Evolution / big bang theory is much more plausible and makes scientific sense.

The fact is, meaning to be entirely blunt here; God does not exist. He is an idea that was created long ago to explain how the world came to be before we knew how scientifically. Morals, however, have existed forever. Do you not go out and murder and rape because God said so? Or do you go out and not murder and rape because it would cause someone else very much displeasure?

I'm sorry if I didn't answer your question correctly, just throwing out some points.

Because Satan is the ruler of this world, and he is misleading the entire earth. Making people do bad things. 1 John 5:19, Revelation 12:9. So if we want to be on God's side, and do good then we need him.

Because God set the example for being good.

They need someone to threaten them with eternal punishment of the mythical flaming demon zoo known as hell or else they will start killing people. At least, that is what I have heard from theists who claim god gives us morals. Morals are common sense and arise from our need to cooperate.

Fear of punishment is the most basic form of morality and it is what we teach four-year-olds, but some people never progress past this stage.

God is spirit, He is everywhere, at any and all times

He says you are no good