Asma gives too much present-tense justification for religion. Religion, just like tribalism in general, did enhance cultural cohesion especially in times of cultural challenges and cultural advancement. Various scriptures were invented in those culturally formative years, for better and worse. Yeah, religion used to be a useful and desired tool that enhanced tribal competitions, may the most attracted to power and glory win.
But now, the power and glory of religion too easily leads billions of gullibles and the rest of humanity in tow, to an earthly hell. The worldwide rise of transparent democracy, freedom, and tolerance are our only hope. And by the way, even if religion magically disappears, more modern, technocratic, authoritarian dogmas can take its place, because of the thirsts for power behind them. Not to go too crazy too soon here, but even rampant AI owned solely by the rich could someday take the place of God, et al.