The value of religion

From FreeThoughtPedia

I've seen numerous commentaries linking science and religion to societal good. People don't argue that science has done a lot for mankind, but they also say, so has religion. Let's look into this...

[edit] Both science and religion are systems of symbols that serve human needs

True. But science has cured polio and smallpox. Religion has caused countless wars. Science has put a man on the moon. Religion has put a man on a throne. Science has explored the universe as well as looked into the components of the atom. Religion explores the same book over and over and over.

Sure, religion serves a human need; so does astrology and "penis-enlargement" pills.

Do we suggest these two constructs have contributed equally to the social progression of mankind?