It would be nice if people would think things through more thoroughly, but they don't. I don't expect that change anytime in the near future.

Religion does have an effect on many "non-thinkers." Let's use "Thou shalt not steal" as a example.

We could frame the argument that stealing is not conducive to a well run society. If stealing was commonplace, than most of us would have no incentive to gather things beyond our immediate needs. Even the best of us would be living moment-to-moment, because there is little point in living above that condition if someone else is always stealing our stuff.

Unfortunately, religion may be more useful than philosophy. Bribe someone with a spot in heaven--if he doesn't steal, than we have actually advanced society. Mission accomplished. Maybe someday, his kids or grandkids might understand why stealing is not good, but only if there is a strong civil society to educate that progeny.

I like the Godfather movies. They really show how humans can and will justify their non-civilizing behaviors as being the "right way." Even the paradox of Michael Corleone attending Mass while his goons are purging his enemies strikes at the heart of common sense.

Yet there are a lot of people who would like to be like Michael Corleone. But a combination of their religion and societal order (usually formed in part by religion) prevents them from going in that direction. These people are more of a asset to society than a liability.

If we threw all religion away, then we would be regressing very quickly.