re: Theories you hold that you can never share without anonymity

Religion was invented to control the masses. If it weren't for religion the poor people would rise up and kill the wealthy.
It promotes the view that my life may suck now but it's going to be awesome later. That rich guy over there is going to be miserable in hell.
It may also be for making people feel better about their impending death as an earlier poster stated.
When a child gets sick or dies religious people always say it was for a reason. What possible reason could justify a child in complete misery and agony while dying? I don't really want to be associated with a God that makes innocent children suffer to prove a point.

There is a meme of Jesus knocking on a door. It goes like this.

Jesus:. Let me in so I can save you
Person: Save me from what
Jesus:. Save you from What I'm going to do to you if you don't let me in.