zuglo9: I think that using divine authority to enforce a code of behaviour is really not that much different from the exercise of sheer power.  It simply kicks upstairs.  Many are the stories of religious people, from priests to Popes,  enforcing their will simply through the power of their position.

Do religions appeal to people's better behaviour?  Yes, in some case.  Of course, religion is also the impetus of some of the worst of human behaviour as well.  I agree with the position of Letsbereasonable.  Since religion is a creation of people, it is reasonable to judge a religion on the behaviour of its adherents.  The holy texts are irrelevant.