well, let's say all the money people invest in their religion went into scientific research to cure diseases. Wouldn't that be an improvement?
Let's also say that all the time and brain-power people use up praying was converted into time spent thinking of a good idea, a hobby, their families and friends, working on their talents, just plain fun. Wouldn't that also be an improvement? What if people didn't believe in a paradise that was promised to them when they die? They'd seek out to make their own paradise here and now. In this world, and not live in some cockeyed figment of their imagination. Mind you, this would probably result in a LOT of crime. Oh well, that should toughen the government up at least, unless they get corrupt as well (get corrupt- what am I saying?).