Bill Wilson wrote extensively on this very subject. He would argue (as would I) that blaming religion for the misdeeds of a small amount of people makes no sense. He compares religion to a forest. It is a misperception to say that the entire forest is ugly because a small amount of its trees have grown sick. So is religion.

Sure, you can blame religion for the misperceptions that small groups of people hild to be true.

A closer study would reveal that more often than not, religion helps people. It helps them integrate within their own communities and support one another. Religions also provide outreach to people in need. Some all over the world.

Then there are the people that make up a religion. The vast majority of which want to help other people.

Yes, it's true that some parts of the world aren't as accepting of other cultures and religions.....yet.

But I don't believe religion itself wants to divide any man or woman from God. Even if they belong to another religion. This is just another excuse, which man is really good at doing. We always want something or someone else to blame.