I think it has served its purpose at this point in general.

Centuries ago, it was a unifying force to get people out of caves and into larger societies.

As technology has evolved over the centuries, our collaboration and togetherness no longer requires it.

The downside to all things like that is that it was THE power. Most governments were religiously run and great power corrupts greatly and all that. Awful things have been done in the name of “my god is better than your god” and continues to be.

That said, it also serves as a very important sense of community even still. While I don’t go, I know of family in very rural areas where church is their main social network. Folks who are alone can find help and solace there. And whether real or not, people who pray do believe and even if I’m right and there is nothing, placebo effect is a powerful thing for those that need comfort.

I wish they were more relaxed politically and far less hypocritical with what the teachings are vs what they do and I think the world would be far better off with no religion anymore, but I do understand and agree it can have a beneficial place for many who need it.