I do think without large organizations who lie and con money from people who are taught about the infallibility of the church and its leaders and conditioned over a lifetime not to question, that the world would definitely be better off without religion.

@snytiger6 I am in total agreement with you. My point is that greed is the underlying motivation. History is filled with examples. Both our countries are culpable. Look at what we have done to the Indigenous tribes. In my mind, it is theft pure and simple.

Humans are animals, and the instinct to fight for territory and dominance is stronger in some than in others. Religions are a means of control. It worked very well but as education increased our intellect and cognitive abilities the "powers that be" found resistance. I believe that is why we are seeing a concentrated effort to force the population back to religious beliefs.

@Betty Indigenous people's are also animals and history has shown even they tried to subjugate other natives in their lands. The book "1491" shows this clearly especially in the history of S. America. The bottom line is the availability of resources. When there's plenty there's often peace. As our numbers increase resource availability decreases. Yes, greed is a major part of the equation.

@pedigojr I agree. History is filled with examples of greed. Being apex predators, humans have evolved past necessary resources for survival to include excesses. Hence the obesity problem, human trafficking, and luxury possessions...etc., at the expense of those they consider inferior. Some people claim to be superior to others and will use any means to achieve their goals. That to me is "greed". (Trump is a prime example.)

@Betty All true but sometimes there's another item at play - simply human (or maybe it's common among other animals instincts. I once submitted a study where people of different income levels were asked how much, percentage-wise would they need to feel secure. In almost all cases those in higher brackets needed more to feel secure. Low income needed maybe 2%, middle went up to maybe 5% and upper brackets needed 10% or even more. Everything is relative and the more money one has the less significant are smaller amounts. If that makes sense.

@pedigojr Of course people of higher income will require more to "feel" safe. They have more "wants" above their actual "needs".
Maintaining a domestic vehicle is less expensive than maintaining a luxury vehicle. The monthly expenses of a mansion are higher than those of a modest single-family home or apartment. Similar comparisons can be made for entertainment expenses, education, socializing... etc.

@Betty Problem is we're not talking about amounts but percentages. 2% is less for someone making a lower income than millionaires and billionaires.
My late wife had a son who was a doctor and who was married to another doctor. We told him life would be very hard for his 3 kids and he agreed but he also said they were taking care of this (meaning money for a good education and help when things crash. I suspect this is common among the wealthy. I recently heard Musk has 10 (freaking) kids.

@pedigojr You're talking about percentages and I was talking about greed. There is a very big difference. Musk and other billionaires like him are poster children for greed.

@Betty Absolutely, greed seems part of most higher animals persona. This area is a big boating area and many catch what is known as 2 footitis. If only my boat were two feet longer than I will be happy.

Amen