Religion in society vs Atheism

This is easy to predict.....everyone who is religious will say we are better off. Those who are atheist will say we are not better off.

its hard to say because we're still dealing with the problem of a few trying to control the many, which is what religion does.

That's a very interesting question. Religion did create some sort of order, but it was a type of order in the planet that was both hurtful and caused millions of deaths. It's hard to say where the world would be like if people actually started thinking logically during those times instead of embracing a cruel bullshit book made out of some wise men's asses.

I'm glad we are over that part as a society, but am sad that religion is still alive in most of the world and still creating unnecessary chaos.

just look at japan. most are not religious. very low crime.

True. How though, can you explain that? Reason might indicate that that would be the opposite - more religious = less crime, however, it is not. Why?

People without religion are forced to use reason and are more inclined to appreciate life for what it is not that they will be rewarded in an afterlife.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I think it's been proven that religion causes more trouble and more bullshit in the long run.....