[john in missouri]

Religion has lead to violence , but it has also helped to contain it. And looking at societies that actively condoned anti-religious activity in the 20th century,(China, Russia, etc) religion was far less harmful

This has been my precise conclusion as well. To be accurate, it simply depends on the religion or creed.

Creeds that hold genuine peace, good will for all, and respect for life at the core of their teachings ("love others; do unto others as you would have them do unto you") tend to restrain violence and build peaceful society.

Creeds that enshrine violence ("the perfect society will be achieved by a violent revolution which will sweep away the capitalist pigs"; "fight and slay the infidels until OUR religion reigns supreme") "contribute" nothing to society but terror, violence and hell.

[Windshark]

If you believe that, read about the French revolution.

Maye you would have done well there.

Robespierre did...for a while.