Does anyone else think having religion in our country is a good thing?

Not at all. Religion encourages magical thinking instead of actual problem solving. Rather than paying for their actions, religion teaches believers that they can do anything they want and they will be forgiven as long as they apologize to their deity. It even allows one to pass that blame to evil influence, rather than personal responsibility. Worst of all, religion allows con men to prey on the weakest people, like children, the elderly and people in the direst straits and greatest need.

Yes. Religion, even if one believes in God or not, is a good thing, depending on the particular religion. Atheism puts men as the "gods" over other men, because we are considered, by them, as the supreme beings on earth. That gives a few powerful people enough reason to become tyrannical, evil, cruel, and vicious towards weaker people. We have seen that throughout history. Most religions, not all, but many, instill a sense of morality and ethics in society. The atheist looks for "government" to control society, not each individual to utilize self control. If you notice in an atheistic society people tend to point fingers a lot and blame someone else for their own failings. Nothing is ever the fault of the individual, and likewise, when someone does something exceptional, the atheists gives credit "society" or some despot, rather than the individual. Without religion you have hero worship. The prettiest girl is a goddess, the richest dude is a god. People kill each other in the streets for nothing. Sex has become "cheap entertainment" rather than a beautiful thing. Religion is mocked, unless it is Islam (people are afraid of muslim violence). But peaceful religion is ridiculed and all worldly power stripped from it. Religion is a good thing, morally. It may be an opiate for the masses, but thats a lot better than anarchy, isn't it?

It really does not matter. Just look at those that govern us, who are full of greed and dishonesty, all which is against religious belief's. Those that have control of our way of life, like the Bankers and Energy Companies, they all break the rules of any religion, because they only have self-interest and none for the poor. The religious establishments guard enormous wealth, but retain it all.

It's not a good thing if you have to back it up by lies about a fictitious god. Sorry, I have far too much respect for my fellow human beings and their integrity to agree with that. Especially when you see that most wars have been caused by religion, and the high proportion of religious believers in prison.

No. Because you are passing the buck. CHRISTIANS SAY THIS ALL THE TIME!!! drives me nuts, most Christians are good people, as are atheists and everyone else. But, only religion can do anything! In the name of god. Kill babies etc arc, the atheist, if so inclined to do so would have to take full responsibility, so he is bound by the morals that were passed on to him both through memes, and genetics.

The deaths of over 10 million people in the last 2000 years are directly attributed to religion and religious beliefs.

I think that sums it up.

Yeah .... but only if the Pope or the Bishops would sell their priceless works of art to help the poor.

Yes, it's a good thing. The prisons are full of criminals who do not practice any real religion.

Well, as an American, I believe you can believe whatever you want to believe as long as it is not shoved down anybody else's throat.

religion is good for poor people and bad for rich people.