"God is in the realm of pure imagination, and it would be far better for society if all this brainpower, devoted to demonstrate that God is real or anything related to theological doctrine, were employed to more useful aims. " While I agree that it really isn't possible to distinguish between a cult and religion due to the fact that they are just more or less of the same thing, I will have to disagree that their "brain power" would be put to a better use. Most advancement in society comes from a very small handful of very intelligent people. Those that fall under such easy sway of an organization which tells them how to live, generally aren't very capable of thinking for themselves anyways. If anything, religion gives rise to social organization which is essential for civilization to exist. This prevents people from becoming social outcasts and glues people together for a common purpose. You are much more likely to want to help out your neighbor who you see at church every week then one whom you've never met. Basically, religion is B.S., but it is beneficial to society anyways.