text: what is the purpose of religion? first and foremost, before you answer this question, know that i would like an intellectual answer. i'm really tired of this endless debate on how religion lead us to salvation and how jesus can lead me to heaven. i'm not an atheist but i fail to understand why you advocates of religion need to constantly convert others. is this a reflection of insecurity or doubt? how blinded we are to think that all that exists in the cosmos can be explained in a couple of books. there are more things in heaven and earth than exists in your philosophy. do you not agree that the time you spent 'saving' others may be better spent helping the poor or making an actual contribution? what is the purpose of religion? is it a means for us to live more meanigful lives or is it just a way to 'classify' us and segregate us and to divert attention away from what untites us? good question. religions are only different ways to become closer to the creator. some people need more commands and religious ceremonies to reach higher level of virtue and purification; others need only few commands to become purify and a good person. religions should regarded as intermediary means , religions themselves are not the goal. religions can educate people to live in  peace and harmony, to love people and control our "natural vicious behavior"  and being virtuous. all these can be  achieved only if we don't judge other people and don't try to convert them to any religion. if each one does all his efforts to educate himself and try to become a better person, then we all will become better people.