[balls187]

> what is important is the sense of community and bonding that religion has offered people for forever.

Religion doesn't have anything unique to create community and bonding, other than large numbers. It's not any better at fostering that things over any other shared interest, and at it's worst causes significantly more damage to communities.

[seatdrummer]

>It's not any better at fostering that things over any other shared interest

What is another shared interest that builds positive community bonds at or above the scale of religion.

[balls187]

> What is another shared interest that builds positive community bonds at or above the scale of religion.

Procreation.

What religion at scale hasn't also done significant damage to communities.